Pence, Isaacson and Meacham headline New Albany foundation's November benefit

Former Vice President Mike Pence will join historians Walter Isaacson and Jon Meacham on stage in New Albany on Nov. 10 for the community foundation's biggest annual fundraiser, organizers announced Aug. 18.

The 24th annual Remarkable Evening benefit, themed "America at 250: Reflections on Leadership and Democracy," ties to the nation's semiquincentennial and doubles as the New Albany Community Foundation's 31st anniversary celebration. Since its launch, the benefit has raised nearly $40 million for grants to local nonprofits, civic projects and educational programming.

"We are honored to host Vice President Mike Pence for his inaugural appearance on our stage," foundation president Craig Mohre said in the announcement. "And we look forward to welcoming Walter Isaacson and Jon Meacham back to New Albany."

Isaacson, whose 2025 book "The Greatest Sentence Ever Written" explores the Declaration of Independence's "We hold these truths to be self-evident," will be making his third Remarkable Evening appearance. Meacham, a Pulitzer Prize winner who received the National Humanities Medal in 2024, returns for a fourth time. Pence will be a first-time guest.

The lineup continues a tradition of high-profile speakers. Past headliners have included Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton, Prime Minister Tony Blair, General Colin Powell and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice. Last year's event featured Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick interviewed by NPR's Ari Shapiro, drawing more than 700 attendees.

Sponsors and community impact

Gold sponsors for the 2026 benefit include American Electric Power Foundation, The Judge Family, Meta and OhioHealth. Presenting sponsors are The New Albany Company, Savko, Turner and VanTrust.

Board chair Paul Judge said the evening aims to deliver "storytelling aligned with our mission of promoting lifelong learning."

Funds raised through Remarkable Evening support the foundation's annual grantmaking and The New Albany Lecture Series, which has hosted more than 36,500 students from central Ohio school districts.

Ticket and sponsorship information is available at newalbanyfoundation.org.