10/24/2026
Congratulations, Chris!
Thank you for all that you do for our community. Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to making Defiance a “great place to live” is truly appreciated.
Sometimes, making a difference doesn't require a grand gesture. It simply takes someone who cares enough to get involved. For Chris Yoder, executive director of the Defiance Area Foundation, helping others has always been more than something she does. It's something she believes in.
Yoder is the first of five individuals being featured through Light Up Mercy: Celebrating the People Who Light Up Defiance, a community initiative from Mercy Health — Defiance recognizing individuals whose kindness, compassion and service make a lasting difference.
Yoder was nominated by Defiance Mayor Mike McCann, who recognized her for the kindness and dedication she brings not only to her work but to everyone she encounters.
“Chris is a true example of the Rotary principle of ‘Service Above Self,’” McCann said, pointing to her exceptional kindness and commitment to others.
For Yoder, that spirit of service has been a guiding force throughout her career, from her early days in banking to her work with the Defiance Area Foundation.
“I always thought whatever I would do would involve helping people,” Yoder said. “Throughout my career, I've seen how much of a difference people can make when they care enough to get involved.”
Through her work with the foundation, Yoder has witnessed the power of generosity in many forms. From seeing a child's smile after receiving new clothes through the Clothes for Kids initiative to helping connect donors with causes close to their hearts, she finds meaning in the everyday moments that make the community stronger.
“It's not always about one big moment,” she said. “Sometimes it's seeing how many lives can be touched when people work together.”
For Yoder, kindness doesn't have to be complicated. It can be as simple as listening, offering encouragement, lending a hand or making someone feel valued.
“I think we sometimes underestimate the power of a small gesture,” she said. “You never know what someone else's journey might be — or what they might be going through.”
While Yoder helps bring light to others through her work and community involvement, she says the greatest light in her own life comes from her family.
Her children and three granddaughters bring her joy, along with the friends and loved ones who offer laughter, encouragement and support.
As she reflects on what makes Defiance County special, Yoder hopes her story will encourage others to recognize that everyone has something meaningful to contribute.
“It doesn't have to be money or a huge commitment of time,” she said. “It might be sharing your talents, checking on a neighbor, supporting a local organization or simply being kind to someone who needs it.”
Her message is simple: when everyone does a little, the collective impact can be tremendous.
Yoder is the first of five individuals whose stories will be shared in the weeks leading up to Mercy Health — Defiance's annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Wednesday, November 18, from 5:30 to 6 p.m. at Mercy Health — Defiance, 1400 East Second St., Defiance.
The celebration will bring all five featured individuals together for a special moment of community recognition before the lighting of the Mercy Christmas tree.
Through Light Up Mercy, Mercy Health — Defiance hopes to remind the community that the brightest lights aren't always the ones hanging on a Christmas tree. Sometimes, they're the people living and working among us.
The lights on the tree may shine for a season. The people who brighten our community do it all year long.
