As a girl, Jodi Karmia knew a secret about her father. She knew that some of her Columbus Torah Academy classmates were at the school because of his generosity.

      “He made sure every kid had a place,” she said. “If a family said they couldn’t afford  it, he found a way. He would do it himself if he had to. Quietly. It’s amazing. It’s what he lived for. That every Jew should know his identity.”

      The lesson about community commitment continues to impact her life. Her children, Alyssa, Cameron and Jacob, attend CTA. Jodi and her husband, Edward, are a phone call away when help is needed at the school. They also help Jodi’s mother, Thelma (“Boots”) Nutis, with events at Wexner Heritage House, one of the organizations she has been involved with for at least 60 years.

      It’s natural, she says. She and her siblings, Ira, Sheila, spent their childhoods watching Mom and Dad in action. During their 60-year marriage, the couple, now in their 80s, have raised money for Israeli causes, including ambulances and guide dogs; promoted and bought Israel bonds; assisted New Americans as they acclimated to life in Columbus; and supported Jewish educational programs at all levels.     

     They have been supporters of Columbus Torah Academy since the 1950s and were part of the effort to establish and maintain the school.

     Frank and Boots are this year’s CTA honorees, and special guests of the CTA scholarship dinner. It is a rare occasion fanfare that the couple that usually doesn’t seek out.

     “Boots and Frank Nutis are humble people,” said Ira’s wife, Laura Nutis. “They don't get involved for personal recognition. They get involved because they live their lives in the light and teaching of the Torah. If a school needs to be built, they will help build it. If someone is experiencing a financial hardship, they will offer assistance. If someone is in need of a Shabbos meal, there is always room around their table.”

    Growing up in the Nutis house was all about helping others. “Our parents, in addition to holding jobs outside our homes professionally, made their volunteerism a second job,” said Ira. “Our homes were always the sites of meetings and get-togethers, formal and informal. The phone was always ringing, and the discussions always were about the happenings in the community, and what could be done to help out.”

     Jodi remembers: “There was always a meeting or a trip that related to something they were part of. My mother was big with Hadassah and ORT and Jewish National Fund and Israel Bonds, extremely active with Heritage House. They have so many awards they don’t have room for them.”

     Ira’s wife, Laura, lovingly joins the effort, especially at CTA. “We have cooked food, we have served food, we have cleaned up food,” she said. “We have donated auction items; we have bid on auction items; we have solicited auction items; we have served on committees, chaired committees, asked others to be involved in committees.

    “By always striving to keep our vital institutions strong, we hope that our children -- the entire community of children -- never know a time where they can't live Jewishly and with the strong sense of belonging and pride. One day, our children will take over as community leaders.”

    All the Nutis children attended CTA, and so have most of their children. Ira Nutis was president of the CTA board from 2004-2006. But they also were inspired in other ways. Ira started the Teen Minyan at Ahavas Sholom Synagogue. Ira and Laura’s son, Sam, a recent college graduate, and Joe, a senior at OSU, both were active with Chabad and Hillel, said Ira. They both have served on the board of Alpha Epsilon Pi, a Jewish fraternity.

     Sheila continues her involvement in Scranton, Pa. She is on the board of Scranton Jewish Family Services. Her children, Philip and Cyndi, who now is married and now lives in California, continue to help wherever they can. Her youngest child, Matthew is studying at Ohr Sameach in Jerusalem and Andrea, her eldest, lives in Efrat. Both are involved in their communities.

     “To see our children practicing what we taught them and now teaching the same things to their children gives us nachas and Goosebumps,” Sheila said. “It is truly a prime example of dor l' dor. It is the most gratifying thing I have ever experienced. I am forever grateful to my parents for teaching me to always do the right thing.”