When our agency’s founder Charlie Williams passed away last November, the void created by his absence was enormous. A man of seemingly boundless energy and generosity, Charlie’s passions were legion. One of his favorites was riverSCAPE, a volunteer non-profit organization he helped found in 2008 to advance, transform, and safeguard the Wabash River and riverfront in his hometown of Terre Haute, Indiana. Charlie’s enthusiastic, active support for riverSCAPE’s mission was a constant influence for more than a decade.

Charlie was a visionary who passionately advocated for our riverfront and everything Vigo County can and is becoming,

On Wednesday, September 13, the third annual Moonlight on the Wabash gala was held in Terre Haute. The chief fundraiser for riverSCAPE, the event collected more than $60,000 in support of the organization’s mission. The evening’s highlight came when Charlie posthumously received the organization’s highest honor, The Reliance Award. Charlie’s brother Scott Williams accepted the honor on his behalf. “We are so proud of Charlie and what he contributed to Terre Haute and the Wabash Valley,” said the younger Williams in accepting the honor.

Charlie’s brother was one of several Williams family members in attendance. Also present was Charlie's longtime friend and business partner, Gerry Randall, attending with his wife Becky. They were joined by Williams Randall colleagues Joy Cropper and David Stanton.

“Charlie was a visionary who passionately advocated for our riverfront and everything Vigo County can and is becoming,” said Bryan Horsman, current president of riverSCAPE. “As riverSCAPE enters its next chapter, it is essential we note Charlie’s leadership, which has gotten us to where we are today.”

Charlie Williams is gone, but the overwhelmingly positive mark he left on his community will live on for many, many years. When you depart this world, what legacy will you leave behind?