Community lost a role model with passing of Marsha Froelich

Leader raised millions for groups she championed.

HANDOUT Marsha Froelich.

ENLARGE PHOTO

‘A hidden gem in western Ohio’
10:46 a.m.
Tipp City offers quaint shops, cozy dining
5/25/12
How to make inexpensive, fresh flower arrangements
5/25/12
How to help the poor the 'right way'
5/25/12
Better treat soon to combat emerald ash borer
5/25/12
> More lifestyle headlines

By Meredith Moss, Staff Writer Updated 3:10 PM Sunday, November 27, 2011

Here’s one way to learn how to make a difference: find a role model who inspires you.

For many in this community that inspiring role model has been Marsha Froelich, who passed away last Saturday after a short and unexpected illness.

Marsha, who took on leadership roles in charitable organizations ranging from the United Way and YWCA to Clothes That Work, used her wonderful sense of humor and creativity to come up with innovative new projects that have benefited the underserved in our community — especially women and children.

She was a big time fundraiser — credited with raising millions for the organizations she loved. But for Marsha, it was all about the people — the woman who was abused and needed a safe place to stay or the man who was getting off welfare who needed a suit and tie for his upcoming interview.

Marsha had a special knack for attracting talented volunteers, mentoring young professionals and helping organizations to blossom. In her role as YWCA Dayton’s vice president for development, she breathed new life into the annual Women of Influence event, turning it into the Miami Valley’s largest community luncheon fundraiser.

She transformed her own passion for colorful fashions and high heels into the hilarious “Hunks in Heels,” persuading prominent men in the community to don stilettos and trip around The Greene for charity. When Marsha invited her male models to parade down the runway in their stilettos at the annual Clothes That Work luncheon, they complied — much to the delight of a hooting and hollering female audience.

One of Marsha’s favorite projects was her Fairy Godmother initiative — collecting prom dresses and distributing them to girls who might not otherwise be able to attend their school dances.

“It’s such a heartwarming sight to see,” she would say, happily reporting on the special day when the excited young ladies arrived to select their pretty gowns and sparkling accessories.

When Marsha retired from Clothes That Work earlier this month, she refused to be honored at the group’s annual luncheon. She wanted the spotlight instead to be on the organization’s incoming director and she used her own few minutes at the lectern to honor a beloved friend and colleague who had passed away tragically at a young age.

Who could have guessed that less than a month later Dayton’s Fairy Godmother would be leaving us as well?

Marsha’s dreams of retirement weren’t about sitting on a beach in Florida; she wanted to spend more time with her kids and grandkids and to continue giving back to this community through work on short-term projects. She was in line to become the board chair of The National Conference for Community and Justice, the group that works to eliminate prejudice and discrimination.

Marsha Froelich will be desperately missed, both for her loving and caring nature and for the transformations she achieved in the Miami Valley.

Like other Fairy Godmothers, she was all about using her magic wand to grant wishes to those who needed them most. What we can do — in her memory — is to reach out and make a difference.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2440 or mmoss@DaytonDailyNews.com.

Share this article