12/07/2025
One of the highlights of our Remarkable Evening benefit each year is the announcement of the Jeanne and John G. McCoy Community Service Award recipients. Our 2023 recipients, Sara and Rick Mershad, lead by example in championing so many causes they care about with a particular emphasis on health and wellness, lifelong learning, science and technology and the arts. They provide thought leadership and resources to help make great things happen in our community.
The Mershads moved to New Albany 25+ years ago and established a fund at The New Albany Community Foundation in 2008. An early focus of their support was a leadership gift to the Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts that helped assure its future and created Mershad Hall, one of the most used spaces within the McCoy each year. Their gifts have also underwritten state of the art LED screens at both the McCoy and the Charleen & Charles Hinson Amphitheater that are used to enhance education, arts and entertainment experiences for students and the community.
Sarah's deep commitment to health and wellness enabled the Foundation to open its 10th lecture series season with world renowned pioneer of integrative health, Deepak Chopra, who also met with students, Healthy New Albany leaders and other community members throughout his visit.
The Wellbeing Connection has been central to the Mershad's advocacy of mental health and inclusion.
The Mershads have done so much to help build a stronger New Albany and they are most deserving of this recognition. Congratulations, Rick and Sara! It was a special moment to recognize you at last night's Remarkable Evening benefit.
PC: Christopher Keels Photography