Bonham receives MVNU’s Zelkowitz Memorial Award

MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — Mount Vernon Nazarene University and Food For The Hungry are proud to recognize JR Bonham as the recipient of the prestigious Stephen W. Zelkowitz Memorial Award.

This annual honor is bestowed upon a citizen of Knox County who exemplifies the spirit of community service, with a particular focus on their outstanding contributions to Food For The Hungry. The award is sponsored by Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU) and voted on by the FFTH Board of Directors.

Stephen W. Zelkowitz, the former president and general manager of Mount Vernon Broadcasting and president of Mount Vernon Cablevision, was a prominent community leader known for his involvement in various charitable events. Zelkowitz, along with Charlie Kilkenny, played a pivotal role in leading the Food For The Hungry initiative in Knox County.

Bonham, a Centerburg resident, is a devoted servant of God and an outstanding member of the Knox County community who has consistently demonstrated unwavering dedication to the mission of Food For The Hungry. For over 20 years, JR has assisted with the audio production of FFTH, helping make the radio/video simulcast seamless and running the main audio control console.

“JR is a pro in every sense of the word,” said Joe Rinehart, executive producer/director for FFTH. “We love talking tech, talking sports, and working together to do something bigger than ourselves. He’s a key member of our tech team to make this broadcast go each year. I am so excited JR will be honored this year for giving and caring for our community.”

Marcy Rinehart, Broadcast Chair for FFTH, expressed admiration for Bonham’s contributions, stating, “JR has been an inspiration through his many years of service to Food For The Hungry. We honor his dedication, selflessness, and positive impact as part of our broadcast crew. His passion for this project inspires us all.”

FFTH Board Interim President Austin Swallow has seen Bonham’s commitment to the Mount Vernon and Knox County community, and FFTH, grow over two decades.

“JR was one of my son’s buddies in high school, so I’ve known him for over 20 years. We would always reconnect on FFTH drive day and get caught up,” said Swallow. “JR always has a smile on his face, and he truly models the unsung volunteer spirit of those who return for FFTH every year: ‘You need that done? Sure, I’ll do that.’ Part of the production team, you never see JR because he and the others are behind the scenes, but they make our ‘out front’ people look and sound good. We couldn’t have such a quality presentation year after year without folks like JR. He is a worthy recipient of the Zelkowitz Award. I know the Zelkowitzses would approve.” 

His involvement goes beyond the call of duty, as reflected in the heartfelt words of his sister, Jeana Campolo: “He has been a great son and brother, best friend, and now husband. More importantly, he has been a servant of God. FFTH is just one of the many things he volunteers to help with, but I believe it holds a special place in his heart because he understands the importance of helping those in need and our community.”

Bonham’s sister and former executive director of Interchurch Social Services Joy Harris affirmed his servant’s heart, stating, “JR knows how important FFTH is to the Knox County community, and he enjoys working with the FFTH family.”

The Stephen W. Zelkowitz Memorial Award recognizes JR Bonham’s outstanding commitment to community service, particularly his impactful contributions to Food For The Hungry. His selflessness, dedication, and positive influence make him a deserving recipient of this esteemed honor.

For more about FFTH, visit foodforthehungrycares.org.

For more about MVNU, visit mvnu.edu.