Are you looking for ideas on how to give back to your community? Take a leaf out of the books of these standout business leaders. Recently recognized by the 2021 Pillar Award for Community Service for their outstanding philanthropy, these are individuals and organizations who helped shine a light in Northeast Ohio during trying times.
- Kenston High School
Chagrin Falls’ Kenston High School is home to a remarkable club that has been giving back to the local community since 2016: Bomber Bash Club. To date, student members, along with school staff and parents, have raised over $40,000 to support their chosen beneficiary, A Kid Again. They did this by hosting fundraising events, a tradition that continues even during the pandemic.
- Daniel Walsh of Citymark Capital
You might know Citymark Capital best as one of the equity firms based here in Cleveland. But aside from investing in apartments and other multi-family assets in various cities across the United States, the company has also been busy with their philanthropic endeavors. It’s all thanks to their chief executive officer, Daniel Walsh.
Walsh has left a remarkable trail all across Cleveland through his community work, so much so that his work has been recognized not just by the 2021 Pillar Award for Community Service but by the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio as well.
And his influence is wide-ranging—Walsh currently serves on the boards of several organizations and foundations, including the Cleveland Foundation, the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, and the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Cleveland Whiskey
One of Cleveland’s pride and joys, Cleveland Whiskey has won the city and the entire state of Ohio much recognition through their critically acclaimed bottles and barrels of whiskey. But when the pandemic started to break out in 2020, the company did something altruistic.
The company partnered with Cleveland Clinic and, more importantly, shifted their production to make and distribute hand sanitizers to healthcare workers all over Cleveland. Later on, Cleveland Whiskey expanded their production and distribution efforts. Eventually, other frontliners in the city, such as emergency responders and nursing homes, received hand sanitizers lovingly made by Cleveland Whiskey.
Of course, Cleveland Whiskey wouldn’t have been able to ramp up their hand sanitizer initiative without the help of their local partners. Both Superior Beverage and Red Eagle Distillery donated thousands of gallons of alcohol that can be used for sanitizers, while the Manufacturing Advocacy Group Network sent 50,000 bottles. We might not be able to donate as much, but finding a local initiative you can join is also a form of community service.
There are so many ways to help your community
You can join local cleanup efforts, volunteer at the nearest library or nursing home, or donate personal belongings you no longer use but are still in good condition.
Patronizing local businesses, most especially restaurants and other retail shops, also goes a long way in uplifting the community and economy. Browse my blog to check out Cleveland eateries and shops worth exploring. You can also check out how I give back to the community here.
And for more real estate in Cleveland, Ohio, get in touch with me today through 440.823.2448 or michellemcquade(at)howardhanna(dotted)com.