Smart Business salutes future philanthropists

Topher Joe Promotions LLC
www.topherjoe.com
www.facebook.com/TopherJoePromotions 

Sweet success
Christopher Carmon donates half the proceeds from his custom mint business to the Lorain County Blue Foundation

At the age of 12, Christopher Carmon is well on his way to being a leading philanthropist.

Christopher’s business Topher Joe Promotions LLC, which sells mints with company logos printed on the wrapper, donates 50 percent of its proceeds to the Lorain County Blue Foundation, a support organization for law enforcement officers injured in the line of duty. In his first three weeks of business, Christopher raised more than $600 for the foundation.

Christopher is a hands-on business owner, making it his trademark to personally deliver each order. He even gets the business owners to pose for a photo with him for his Topher Joe Facebook page. Christopher’s proud to showcase his clients’ support of not only his business, but the Lorain County Blue Foundation.

The mints are reasonably priced and made in the U.S. Christopher already has some big name clients, which include The Fedeli Group, Pease & Associates, Zito Insurance Agency, Ogletree Deakins, Landscape Management (published by North Coast Media), Firment Chevrolet, AT&F and even some area political candidates.

Christopher is so pleased by the response he’s received so far, that he hopes his efforts will inspire others to give back as well. ●

Jasmyne Johnson
http://linkd.in/16Nb1cJ

Philanthropist at heart
Jasmyne Johnson has endless ideas on how to help those less fortunate around the world

You might say Jasmyne Johnson has spent nearly half her life in philanthropy — and it would be true. A senior at John Hay School of Science & Medicine in Cleveland, she has been a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland since the age of 9.

In fact, this summer, Johnson worked as a junior staff member for the organization. She spent the summer being a role model and mentor as part of SPARK, a reading and literacy program for children ages 6 to 9.

Her participation in the Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland only scratches the surface of Johnson’s involvement in community philanthropy. When relief efforts were needed for the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Johnson was in charge of the promotion, advertising and collections for her church’s fundraiser — helping to raise $12,000.

Another project that Johnson is spearheading involves providing Bibles to schools in Africa where students are less fortunate and don’t have access to one. She has also proposed a pen pal program with high school students in Africa to encourage them in their education.

A member of the National Honor Society, Johnson has maintained perfect attendance throughout high school while serving as an intern with the Cleveland Division of Water. Johnson hopes to be nominated to the United States Air Force Academy. ●

Middleburg Heights
Young Ambassadors
www.middleburgheights.com 

Helping hands
Young Ambassadors of Middleburg Heights lend support to various community organizations

Every summer, the Young Ambassadors of Middleburg Heights, a group of 10 to 14 year olds, meet on Fridays at the community center to engage in outreach programs in and around the city — and receive first-hand experience in philanthropy.

This year, the Young Ambassadors were involved in several activities that benefitted the community, including the following:

•           Making and delivering homemade cards to seniors at an assisted living facility, sharing doughnuts, playing games and visiting with residents.
•           Delivering handmade dog toys to an animal rescue facility.
•           Collecting litter in city parks.
•           Organizing a senior dance at the community center.
•           Collecting donations to purchase and deliver school supplies to the Positive Education program.
•           Baking cookies and delivering them to safety forces in the city.


“Overall, the program has been successful, and we have received wonderful feedback from the various organizations that we have reached out to,” says Joanna Mocho, Kidzone activities director. “More importantly, the Young Ambassadors along with their parents have been delighted with the positive experiences.” ●