Clara and Larry Rezash Equality Advocacy Award

The Clary Award honors individuals who are committed to making our community a more loving place. Learn more about it and submit your nominations!

Nominations are now open for 2026! To nominate a Miami Valley resident or organization for the Clara and Larry Rezash
Equality Advocacy Award, please submit this information by 11:59 p.m. on April 30. The nomination form is found below

Nominations

About the Clary Award

Seeking Nominations for the 2026 Clara and Larry Rezash Equality Advocacy Award

In June 2026, Harmony Creek Church will be honoring an individual or organization for their positive impact on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community in the Miami Valley through the Clara and Larry Rezash Equality Advocacy Award, lovingly known as the Clary Award.

This annual award is named in memory of United Church of Christ Pastor Larry Rezash and his wife Clara Barnum Rezash, who dedicated their lives to ensuring that all people feel known and loved, especially those who are LBGTQ+ and are not accepted by their families. Larry and Clara arrived in Dayton in 1982 and immediately found their community with PFLAG. For the next 40 years, Larry and Clara attended countless PFLAG gatherings, marched in many Pride parades, and gave warm hugs to thousands of people who desperately needed them. Although they received numerous awards for their compassion, it was helping a family reunite or witnessing an individual find love and acceptance that made their tireless efforts worthwhile.

It is in the spirit of Clara and Larry's love and commitment that we look forward to honoring this year’s award recipient for continuing their work today!

Past Recipients

Meet the previous winners of the Clary Award as well as Clara & Larry Rezash.

2025 Winner

Andie Hock

Advocate, mentor and servant leader Andie Hock.

2024 Winner

Richelle Frabotta

Dayton and Montgomery County’s Public Health LGBTQ+ Health Initiatives Project Manager Richelle Frabotta.

Award Founders

Clara & Larry Rezash

United Church of Christ Pastor
Larry Rezash and his wife Clara Barnum Rezash dedicated their lives to making community members feel loved and accepted.

Nominee's First name

Nominee's Last name

Nominee's Full Address

Nominee's Phone

Nominee's Email

About the nominee:

Please describe the nature of the nominee's work, the impact this work currently is having on the local LGBTQ+ community and the way in which the nominee serves as a positive role model and/or advocate

Reference 1 (Not required, but helpful)

Please include the name and contact information of an individual we may reach to learn more about your nominee's current advocacy work for and with our local LGBTQ+ community.

Reference 2 (Not required, but helpful)

Please include the name and contact information of an individual we may reach to learn more about your nominee's current advocacy work for and with our local LGBTQ+ community.

Reference 3 (Not required, but helpful)

Please include the name and contact information of an individual we may reach to learn more about your nominee's current advocacy work for and with our local LGBTQ+ community.

Your Full Name

Your Phone

Your Email