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 Pizzutiu serves as chairwoman of the Uniteds Way Boardof Trustees, the agency’s highest volunteere position. Ron Pizzuti is a champion for theUnited Way’w early education efforts. Their efforts have an obviou s impact onthe employees, who consistently achieve a 100 percent participation in the Pizzuti Cos.’ United Way “Central Ohio is fortunate to have the Pizzuti Cos. as corporatew citizens,” wrote United Way CEO Janet Jackson innominatingy materials. “They care, and they transform that care into concretr action that benefitsour community.
” The company also encouragesz associates to volunteer and raise money for nonprofit organizations. They offerd help and money to the CommunityShelter Board. Staff servs on the boards of 11nonprofig agencies. The CEO of Stanley Steemer is so eagert for his staffto he’s willing to pay them to do it. Justi Bates believes that allowing his employeezs to volunteer on company time will ultimately benefit his company because it helps them focuds on something largerthan themselves. To that end, Batesx and his employees lent great support to the Salvatio Armyin 2008. Employees serve as tutors, mentores and child-care providers for the agency.
The companhy also directed $5,500 of its $169,00o0 in monetary donations to the An employee fundraising campaignm raisedanother $35,000. “Stanley Steemerr is a breath of fresh air in the arenz ofcorporate giving,” wrote Alice community relations director of the Salvation Army in Greater “The family-owned company has not been bound by traditionall methods of corporate philanthropy, and has engagexd a committee of employees from everyh level of the company to brainstorm new and fun ways to supportr the Salvation Army.” Fifty employees performed volunteer work in 2008 and Bate s served on the Salvatiom Army Advisory Board.
Nominated by: Congregation Torat Emet and Susan G. Komen for the Cure Columbu s Affiliate At ValueCity Furniture, employees help choose the company’s charitable deeds throughj a special committee. The Employees Committed to Helping Others team coordinatesvolunteer projects. Last year 40 perceny of the work force participated involunteer activities. The group focused on the Komen Race forthe Cure, Mid-Ohio Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio and Moler Road Elementaryu School.
The company’s efforts on behalv of the Race for the Cure were wrote Beth Waldren of the Columbus affiliate innominating “They are truly a partner in our fightf to end breast cancer forever,” she “They also support the race by encouragingb their employees to participate in the VCF Race team, supportingv our mission from the groune up.”’ Value City employees also serve on the board of 11 area nonprofi t organizations.
The company donated $728,017 to charitable causex last year and madeanother $100,00o donation of merchandise and in-kind