Meaningful contributions aren’t limited to the Pillar Award honorees. Here are some other noteworthy programs that the judges highlighted from the pool of nominees:
- The Lubrizol Corp.’s involvement in the Christmas in April program has helped several disabled and elderly Lake County residents maintain their homes. Says Mikey Darcy, executive director of Christmas in April Northcoast, “Because of their volunteerism, we were able to make repairs to two homes completely sponsored by the Lubrizol Corporation with financial and volunteer support.” For the past nine years, the company has also donated $2,500 from the Wickliffe plant and another $2,000 from the Painesville facility to help those financially strapped individuals.
- Since 1993, the Arras Group has partnered with Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity in its effort to help build new homes in Northeast Ohio. Among its efforts, the Cleveland-based marketing agency has developed communication materials for GCHFH and donated $30,000 in 1994 to help build a home in Cleveland’s Hough neighborhood. Owner James Hickey has closed the offices numerous times so that the company’s 30 employees could work on-site to help build houses. Earlier this year, the Arras Group donated $2,500 to sponsor the first annual GCHFH Simple, Decent Golf Outing.
- Alcoa Corp.’s financial contributions have aided Templum House in its fight against spousal abuse. Two grants, totaling $15,000, were given to Templum’s Youth Empowerment Program, which helps children who witness domestic violence.
- Bob Fairchild, owner of Fairchild Chevrolet, and his wife, Cindy, have been active volunteers in the city of Lakewood. They recently co-chaired a major fund-raising campaign that generated $13,000 for H20’s (Help to Others) Summer Service Camp for 150 middle school students. Among local organizations the car dealership’s efforts have helped are Lakewood Toy Lending Library-donating $300 and toys to get it off the ground; Lakewood Adult Education and Recreation Department-donating $21,000 since 1987 to purchase 4,500 T-shirts for youngsters; and Lakewood City Schools.
- More than 10,000 children have attended major sporting events over the past two years thanks to FOX Sports Ohio. FOX’s Kids Zone was created to provide opportunities for kids who otherwise wouldn’t have the means to see sporting events in person. Among the groups that have participated are Boys & Girls Clubs, Big Brothers Big Sisters, United Link, Deep Woods Center, Neighborhood Centers Association, United Way, Key Club, Neighbors Together, Just Friends and the Salvation Army.
