For several years we have supported the students of Barrett Academy through donations and volunteerism. In the past year we have:

• Helped get the school year off to a great start by donating one hundred uniform shirts and nine banker boxes filled with school supplies.
• Donated books to the school library.
• Participated in Read to Me Day with BDB employees reading to children in 15 classrooms.
• Supported the Ohio Reads program throughout the school year, with volunteer tutors from our Akron office helping children at Barrett Academy learn to read.
• Brought seasonal cheer and small gifts to the children. Volunteers from BDB dressed as Santa and his elves for this holiday party.

In addition to our continuing connection with Barrett Academy, we assist a number of other local non-profit organizations. Recent recipients include:

o       Community Support Services. BDB donated money as well as personal hygiene items and canned goods to the organization.

o       The Battered Women’s Shelter. This year our attorneys and staff collected and donated used cell phones in addition to money and personal hygiene items. 

o       Harvest for Hunger. Akron office support staff challenged attorneys to see which group could raise the most support for the annual Food Bank campaign. Fundraisers included a breakfast cart, a sale of nachos and cheese, an ice cream social, a coney-dog luncheon and a BDB putt-putt course.  These activities raised close to $2,000 in donations, and we also provided 800 lbs of donated canned goods.

o       The American Heart Association. BDB president and CEO, Nicholas T. George, serves on the organization’s Board and co-chaired the 2004 Heart Walk. The BDB team participated, raising $480, and the firm sponsored a water station where walkers could stop for a break.

o       The Juvenile Diabetes Research Walk. The Akron office was a Platinum Sponsor ($5000 contributor) of this event, and Team BDB raised $1500.

o       The Multicultural Development Awards and Scholarship Dinner. BDB was a corporate sponsor of this dinner, helping support students at the University of Akron.  In addition, three students attended the dinner under BDB’s sponsorship.

o       Wayne Homes Chili Open. The Akron office was again a corporate sponsor of this year’s golf outing at historic Hale Farm and Village. The event raises money to help children with disabilities attend Akron Rotary Camp.

o       The Road Runner Akron Marathon. In 2003, BDB was an inaugural sponsor of the city’s marathon, and will be in its third year as supporter in 2005.  The race generates revenue for the Akron community, and proceeds from Marathon activities support local non-profit organizations.