Constance “Connie” Baldwin loved children, and she loved her home, Licking County.  The Newark native was inspired early on by her father, Dr. F.E. Corkwell, who to her question of how she might thank him for all he did for her, answered, “You can’t, you can only do for others.”

Connie’s legacy does just that. During her life she supported dozens of Licking County organizations and causes, most notably Ohio State University Newark and COTC, with extraordinary gifts including a scholarship in memory of her son. Her passion was providing enrichment and educational opportunities for children.

Connie knew that with a gift to the Licking County Foundation, her love for children and her legacy of helping to meet their needs could endure. Her bequest established the Constance C. Baldwin Fund. Grants from this fund support organizations that provide opportunities and assistance to children physically, educationally, and culturally, including recreation. In 2020 alone, grants from the Constance C. Baldwin Fund have lifted up the work of the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools of Licking County, the Friends of the Licking County Library for its Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the Young Leaders of Licking County to support school supplies for students across Licking County, and most recently, a virtual Kids Camp organized by local arts groups to offer fun activities to keep kids learning over the winter.

We celebrated Connie in 2010 when she was named the honoree of the Everett D. Reese Award, recognizing individuals who continually give of themselves to benefit the community. We are so grateful to have known Connie and to be able to carry out her love for children thanks to her visionary gift.