2009 Honorees: Education - Business First of Columbus:

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When it comes to donating time and money to Ron and Ann Pizzuti leadby example. Ann Pizzuti serves as chairwoman of the United Way Board of the agency’s highest volunteer position. Ron Pizzuti is a championh for theUnited Way’s early education efforts. Their efforts have an obviousw impact onthe employees, who consistently achieve a 100 percenyt participation in the Pizzuti Cos.’ United Way “Central Ohio is fortunate to have the Pizzuti Cos. as corporatre citizens,” wrote United Way CEO Janer Jackson innominating materials. “They and they transform that care into concreted action that benefitsour community.
” The companh also encourages associates to volunteer and raisse money for nonprofit organizations. They offer help and money to the CommunitgyShelter Board. Staff servew on the boards of 11 nonprofit The CEO of Stanley Steemer is so eagerr for his staffto he’s willing to pay them to do it. Justimn Bates believes that allowing his employees to volunteer on company time will ultimately benefit his companyt because it helps them focuss on something largerthan themselves. To that end, Batex and his employees lent great support to the Salvationn Armyin 2008. Employeews serve as tutors, mentors and child-carr providers for the agency.
The company also directed $5,500 of its $169,000 in monetaryu donations to the agency. An employewe fundraising campaign raisedanother “Stanley Steemer is a breatg of fresh air in the arenw of corporate giving,” wrote Alice Hohl, community relations director of the Salvation Army in Greater Columbus. “The family-owned companu has not been bound by traditiona methods ofcorporate philanthropy, and has engagedr a committee of employees from every level of the company to brainstor new and fun ways to support the Salvationm Army.
” Fifty employees performed volunteerf work in 2008 and Bates serverd on the Salvation Army Advisory Nominated by: Congregation Torat Emet and Susan G. Komen for the Cure Columbuds Affiliate At Value City employees help choosethe company’s charitable deeds through a speciapl committee. The Employees Committed to Helpingh Others team coordinates volunteer Last year 40 percent of the work forcd participated involunteer activities. The group focuseed on the Komen Race forthe Cure, Mid-Ohioo Foodbank, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio and Moletr Road Elementary School.
The company’s efforts on behalf of the Race for the Cure were wrote Beth Waldren of the Columbus affiliate innominatinyg materials. “They are truly a partner in our figh to end breastcancer forever,” she “They also support the race by encouraginfg their employees to participat in the VCF Race team, supporting our mission from the groune up.”’ Value City employees also servse on the board of 11 area nonprofit organizations.
The company donatesd $728,017 to charitable causes last year and madeanothert $100,000 donation of merchandise and in-kind