Last year, we at Smart
Business Network aimed to
light a fire under the business community by launching
an initiative to help fight poverty
in the region through our Pillar
Award for Community Service
awards program.
This year, we’re proud to say
we’ve given grants to several
nonprofits across Northeast
Ohio to help them in their battle against
poverty. But, the fight continues.
Too many people continue to fall through
the cracks of society. Cleveland, once
again, was given the unwanted mantle of
being named the poorest large city in
America, and all across Northeast Ohio,
the gap between the haves and have-nots is
growing.
Luckily, this region is filled with people
who care. Northeast Ohio continues to be
one of the most generous areas in the United States. Our populace is
comprised of people who have
giving hearts.
Being philanthropic isn’t mandatory, but it’s the right thing to
do. Those of us who are blessed
to be part of the haves should
do our part to help the have-nots any way we can, whether
it’s through volunteerism, corporate philanthropy or personal
philanthropy.
Just like last year, we’re looking to you in
the business community to join us again.
Here’s how you can help.
First, read this month’s issue about the
Pillar Award for Community Service. For
the ninth straight year, along with our
founding sponsor Medical Mutual, we’re
honoring those organizations and people in
Northeast Ohio that have demonstrated a
giving heart.
Next, consider joining us on Dec. 7 at Landerhaven at the Pillar Award recognition banquet, where a portion of the ticket
sale proceeds will be donated to The Pillar
Fund, Smart Business Network’s grant-making fund.
Finally, consider a donation — either corporate or personal — to The Pillar Fund,
which provides grants to nonprofits across
Northeast Ohio whose missions are to fight
poverty. This year, CVS/pharmacy has
offered to match $5,000 against other donations from the Northeast Ohio business
community.
To get involved, contact me at
dsklein@sbnonline, or our CEO Fred
Koury at [email protected]. We may
not be able to end poverty in Northeast
Ohio, but working together, we can certainly make an impact.
Contact Editor Dustin Klein at [email protected].