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2024 Awards Gala

Thursday, December 11th, 2025

The first of Many...

Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate each other - our many impressive Linden community and business leaders. We dressed to impress, enjoyed a delicious spread by Blue Bowtie Catering, danced with music provided by Karai the Curator, and recorded video selfies in the Snap Around 360 Photo Booth! It was a beautiful night of love and gratitude. Thanks to the Ohio History Connection for hosting us. 

Don't miss this exciting event next year! Be ready to invite your family, friends, and other Linden businesses to celebrate with us!

Held at the Ohio History Center

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2024 AWARD NOMINEES & Winners

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LINDEN BUSINESS CHAMPION AWARD

This award celebrates small business success, including their presence in the Linden Area, their time in business, their future plans, their contribution to the GLBN, and their impact on the business world.

LEONIE ROBINSON

ISLAND VIBES RESTAURANT

Leonie Pheola Robinson was born in a very small rural town Balaclava of about 250 people in parish called St. Elizabeth, Jamaica, West Indies. In August of 2000 she left Jamaica to pursue a degree in Hospitality Management at Hocking Community College in Nelsonville, Ohio.

She committed to doing both school and work in Ohio. While doing this program, Leonie realized that she not only has a passion for food and music, but also for serving people. Island Vibes became her passion and has been for the last 18 years. She has and continues to service the people of the Linden area with amazing Jamaican cuisine with the same love and vibes from 18 years ago.

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MARLAN GARY

MARLAN GARY FUNERAL HOMES

CHAPEL OF PEACE

MO WRIGHT

RAMA CONSULTING

IJEOMA NNANI

TRIO PHARMACY

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HILTON HALE

HILTON HALE & ASSOCIATES

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MO WRIGHT

RAMA CONSULTING

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REMBERT EMPOWERMENT AWARD

This award honors the life and legacy of Margaret Rembert, founding member of the Sisters of Empowerment, now The Empowerment Team. Their goal is to help Linden residents become homeowners. It will be awarded to an organization or individual focusing on housing in the Linden Area.

CLARENCE SIMMONS

SIMMONS CORPORATION

Clarence Simmons has an extensive background and career in developing and building affordable housing. He has helped produce over 650+ affordable units throughout central Ohio including funding sources LITHC, HOME, CDBG, and NSP funding. Clarence  has worked with clients such as CMHA, NCH/HNHF/HLH, AHT, CUL, FDA, and City Of Cols, OHFA,& OHIO Capital Corp. He has also been involved in Community Boards such MORPC, St.Stephens, GCAC, NSDP, AALA, and the Center for Real Estate-OSU. Founder of the 42 Elite Baseball Org. Clarence holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree from The Ohio State University – 1995. He also completed the Executive Education Program at Dartmouth University/Tuck Business School. Clarence is a proud recipient of the City of Columbus Fred Yates Small Biz Award Scholarship 

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MAYO MAKINDE

MAKINDE ENTERPRISE, INC

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LEAH F. EVANS

HOMEPORT

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CURTISS L. WILLIAMS, SR.

COCIC

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FOUNTAINE LINDEN BUTTERFLY AWARD

This award honors the life and legacy of Carla Fountaine, Director of Community Relations for Nationwide Children's Hospital, and Advocate who focused on bringing the community together through events and fostering neighbor connections. It will go to an individual or an organization that empowers the Linden community.

DE LENA P. SCALES

COLUMBUS DEPARTMENT OF NEIGHBORHOODS

De Lena P. Scales is the City of Columbus – Department of Neighborhoods liaison for North and South Linden. Neighborhood liaisons serve as your direct link to city services and provide support for area commissions. They are located in Neighborhood Pride Centers in each region of Columbus. Liaisons work with residents, city officials, and civic organizations to empower residents to improve their neighborhoods. On this page you will find the neighborhood liaison who you can reach out to if you need assistance with a city issue or topic. De Lena is a lifelong Linden resident with a deep passion to see Linden succeed on all fronts. She has previously worked for Columbus City Mayor’s office, and she was instrumental in shaping Celebrate 1 – an organization dedicated to help prevent infant mortality.

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ADAM TROY

COMMUNITY OF CARING DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

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MARILYN MEHAFFIE

ST. STEPHEN'S COMMUNITY HOUSE

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PEGGY WILLIAMS

SOUTH LINDEN AREA COMMISSION

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CAROL PERKINS

NORTH LINDEN AREA COMMISSION

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LAURA JOHNSON PEACE

COLUMBUS METRO LIBRARY 

LINDEN BRANCH

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LONDALE TOWNS

WE ARE LINDEN

WITH GREAT THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS

GOLD SPONSORS

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+1 (614) 362-3122

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