The Mathiles are perhaps best known locally for their stewardship of pet food maker Iams. In 1999, they sold the company for $2.3 billion to consumer giant Procter & Gamble, making Clay Mathile a billionaire and freeing him to pursue another passion, entrepreneurial education. He founded a Miami County campus, Aileron, for that purpose in 2007.
P&G recently sold Iams to Mars for $2.9 billion.
In 1989, the couple established the Mathile Family Foundation. While MaryAnn Mathile serves as chair, chief executive and treasurer, her husband is president. Their five children join them in supporting the foundation, the Presidents Club said.
By the end of 2014, the Mathile Family Foundation will have granted more than $300 million to Dayton area nonprofit organizations. The total amount of grants over the past 25 years, including the family’s personal giving, approaches $500 million in contributions to nonprofits in the Dayton region and around the world, according to the Presidents Club.
“The Presidents Club is honored to recognize Clay and Mary Mathile with the region’s top community service recognition,” said Phil Parker, president and CEO of the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce. “Using their energies and talents, they have impacted the lives of so many in our area. We are proud of all their volunteer efforts and are blessed they are leaders in our community.”
The award will be given Oct. 2 at the Presidents Club’s annual meeting at the Dayton Convention Center.
Tickets and table sponsorships are available by contacting Kelley Long at (937) 226-8274 or at klong@dacc.org. All proceeds go toward scholarships at Sinclair Community College for students who are active community volunteers, the President’s Club said.
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