Remembering a true community leader

Debbie Edelman was more than a philanthropist -- she was a force aimed at improving the lives of others.

As the founder of Recycling Center Inc. in Richmond and several other businesses with her late husband, Jack, Edelman was a tireless supporter of causes across the region and poured her heart into making her community stronger and more vibrant.

Over the years, she supported many organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of Wayne County, Richmond Symphony Orchestra, Richmond Art Museum, Ivy Tech Community College, Richmond Fire Department, IU East, and Reid Health.

For 15 years, she co-chaired the Art to Heart fundraiser, raising nearly $2 million for the Richmond Art Museum and Reid Health Foundation. She served on the Reid Foundation board for 18 years over two stints, guiding the organization through critical moments, including the planning of the current Reid campus.

"Debbie was so passionate about healthcare in her community," said Randy Kirk, former Reid Health Foundation President. "Her strong business sense really played an important role in the journey to the new Reid."

The Edelman family's generosity -- more than $2 million in total support -- has benefitted countless patients who receive care at Reid Health. Their legacy is celebrated by the naming of the Jack and Debra Edelman Board Room, the Israel "Izzy" Edelman Cardiac Center, and the Jack Edelman Cardiac Catheterization Center at Reid Health.

And earlier this year, Reid participated in the opening of the Debra Edelman Healthcare Education Center at Ivy Tech.

"We were the beneficiaries of not just her philanthropy but her true leadership. A leader focuses on growing the success of others, and I look back on the privilege of walking a brief part of my journey under Debbie's influence and realize what an incredible leader she was in helping to develop others. We were all beneficiaries of that incredibly talented community leader." -- Randy Kirk, former Reid Health Foundation President