A Message from
the President and CEO
Dear Neighbors and Friends,
It is an exciting and productive time at the Community
West Foundation, and our newsletter allows us to feature
some of the ongoing activities and latest developments to
keep you updated on our progress.
2014 Donor Newsletter
Volume 1
Issue Highlights
Page 2
Community West Foundation Steps
Up to the Plate in The Blast for Kids
Page 3
Off the Press and
Now on the Web and in video too:
Our 2013 Annual Report
Giving Back
Pages 4-5
Recent Grants
Page 6
Welcome New Trustees
Page 7
Special Summer Events
Page 8
Our 2014 Board of Directors
David T. Dombrowiak
I am constantly impressed with the dedication of
individuals serving on our Board of Directors, who have
chosen to invest their time and skills for the betterment of
our community and Foundation. In this issue, we would
like you to meet our three new trustees, Jeffrey C. Moritz,
Steven M. Rini, and Dr. Brian Donley. Welcome Aboard!
We recently completed our 2013 Annual Report that
bridges both a video format with a small printed version. We hope you enjoy its great
mix of content and will visit our website to watch the video and learn more about our
achievements over the past year.
There is a new level of enthusiasm as the financial year has seen our organization
grow substantially, reaching a significant increase in the value of our assets, now over
$100 million. This is an important milestone, and brings us tremendous satisfaction
that enables us to increase our level of grant funding to fulfill more community needs.
Since January, $433,000 has been awarded to eleven local nonprofits, permitting us to
widen our circle of positive and lasting impact to those benefiting from our support
and engagement. Please take a few moments to read about our recent grants to area
nonprofits that will allow those within our community struggling for the very basics
of everyday life to get the help they need. We are so very proud of what our nonprofit
partners are accomplishing.
The Blast for Kids is back! Did you know that the Foundation is sponsoring the Blast
for Kids to help the Boys and Girls Clubs of Lorain County for the second year? For
every home run and grand slam hit by the Cleveland Indians during this season,
Community West Foundation will donate to the Boys and Girls Clubs. The real success
of this partnership is the much needed financial support it raises for the Boys and Girls
Clubs of Lorain, now serving over 800 young people each year. Go Tribe!
Don’t miss reading about some of our hometown heroes who are giving back to the
community by fundraising and volunteer efforts, spreading happiness to everyone.
“Truly I tell you, whatever
you did for one of the least of
these my brothers and sisters
of mine, you did for me.”
Finally, we look forward to our summer fundraising events, for in the words of William
Shakespeare, “Summer’s lease hath all too short a date.” Let’s greet the arrival of
summer together at the annual Harley-Davidson Toy Run supporting Fairview Hospital
Pediatrics, and at our two golf tournaments, the Triumph for the Cure and Drive for
Life, both of which support cancer programs. We hope to see you at these fun events.
In the midst of all of our activity, I never lose sight of the importance of our donors
and friends and express my sincere gratitude to all who support our organization and
for the tremendous vote of confidence you’ve given us. Thank you and I hope we will
continue to merit your support.
David T. Dombrowiak
– The Gospel of Matthew 25:40
President and CEO
Community West Foundation Steps Up to the Plate
Baseball season is back in full swing, and Community West Foundation has stepped up to the plate for the second
consecutive year to support the Blast for Kids for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Lorain County!
Community West Foundation is pledging its support for every Cleveland Indians home run scored this season. “We will
give $100 for every home run scored, $500 for every grand slam, and $1,000 for every walk-off home run as a donation,”
said David T. Dombrowiak, Community West Foundation President and CEO. “Momentum is growing for the Blast for Kids,
and we are thrilled that local phone and internet service provider Century Link has joined in this partnership as a $10,000
sponsor, making a winning combination!”
Last year’s Blast for Kids raised $19,000, which helped provide meals and other activities for the kids in Lorain County.
The Boys and Girls Clubs open their doors of friendship and are a well known place where kids feel welcome, have fun and
enjoy themselves.
Mark your calendars for July 30th, which has been designated as Boys and Girls Clubs Day at the ballpark. Get your baseball
tickets and watch the Cleveland Indians play the Seattle Mariners at 7:05 p.m. and be a part of the special day of festivities!
Two kids from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Cleveland and Lorain will throw the ceremonial first two pitches, the on field
check will be presented for Blast for Kids donations earned to date, and a Live from the Dugout interview will be conducted
about this great partnership for kids. We hope you will plan to attend this exciting day at the ballpark!
If you would like to support the Blast for Kids initiative so that valuable programs continue to flourish, make a donation at
www.bgcloraincounty.org. Show your support by making a contribution to the Boys and Girls Clubs today!
We all root for the Cleveland
Indians, but now we have one
more very good reason to hope
for home runs, grand slams,
and walk-off home runs this
season! gO TRIBE!
Celebrating a great 2013 Cleveland Indians season and successful Blast for Kids
partnership: (l to r) William Baker, Chair of the Board, Community West Foundation;
Mike Conibear, Executive Director, Boys and Girls Clubs of Lorain County; and
David T. Dombrowiak, President & CEO, Community West Foundation.
Stay tuned for the latest progress on the
Blast for Kids by Tuning into WEOl 930
and WTAM 1100 to hear Community West
Foundation radio commercials throughout
the baseball season announcing the
partnership and mounting donations to
help the Boys and girls Clubs with food,
educational, and recreational programs.
“A BLAST FOR KIDS”
to benefit the
OF LORAIN COUNTY
Celebrating Success in our Community
The Community West Foundation is pleased to announce the release of its 2013 Annual Report
for our friends and our community in video and print formats. In that spirit, the report highlights
the many contributions that help to make the Foundation so successful – from our donors,
investments, grants, award-winning programs, and leadership.
Community West Foundation is an organization that touches lives and profoundly impacts our
community. This past year, the Foundation shared over $5 million in grant funding to help many
worthy causes. More important than the numbers are the people and organizations that benefited
from these grants, and who depend on the Foundation for help and support.
As this year continues, we encourage you to join our mission to advance the health and well
being of our community. Thank you to our countless donors and friends for making an investment
in our community! Our work is possible because of the partnership we share with people like you!
Visit Communitywestfoundation.org to view the video.
Giving Back
Susan Dunson, VP of Oncology Services,
Fairview, Lakewood and Lutheran Hospitals with
Girl Scouts Rachel Stoll and Kelly Prososki.
Meet North Ridgeville Girl Scouts
Rachel Stoll and Kelly Prososki, who
stopped by the Moll Cancer Center to
deliver five hand-crafted fleece blankets
along with a $230 cash contribution to
support The Caring Continues Fund.
The money assists cancer patients and
families with expenses such as groceries,
gas, utility bills, and prescription
medications to help make a difference at
a time when many patients are unable
to work.
Rachel and Kelly, both 9th grade
honor roll students, will earn the Girl
Scout Silver Award in recognition of
their work to better their community
and the lives of others. The cause was
especially meaningful to Rachel because
her dad, Mark, is a former cancer
patient at the Moll Center, and has been
cancer free for three years.
“We wanted to raise funds for the
Caring Continues because we know
how many people it truly helps out,”
said Rachel. The money the girls
collected will go directly to help patients
with personal bills, while the blankets
will bring comfort to those in treatment.
In the true spirit of girl scouting,
Rachel and Kelly are true leaders in the
community and advocates for others.
Congratulations and keep up the great
work!
A Special Volunteer
Our community
is blessed with
many generous and
caring people, and
we are especially
impressed with
the strength and
support of our
volunteers.
What a
Vivian Mahaffey
special gift Vivian
Mahaffey has been to Fairview Hospital as
a valued volunteer since 2006, where she
has logged nearly 4,000 hours of service.
At ninety years young, it seems that Vivian
has found the fountain of youth, and looks
decades younger, displaying a zest for life
and young at heart outlook. She keeps
active and involved in activities within the
hospital, providing a helping hand with
patient transports, mailings, clerical duties
and projects.
In addition to donating her valuable
time, Vivian also contributes $200 each
month to the Fairview Hospital Employee
Care Fund. The purpose of the Fund is
to provide financial assistance for fellow
employees facing unexpected personal or
family hardships. The Fund was founded
in 2005 at Fairview Hospital and is now
active throughout the Cleveland Clinic
system. “The strong sense of support
for one another is an enduring trait of
the hospital and community’s character.
It’s because of the generosity of people
like Vivian that we are able to provide
assistance to those employees who are in
real need,” said David T. Dombrowiak,
President and CEO, Community West
Foundation.
As a special honor for Vivian’s recent
birthday, her friends made a donation in
her honor to the Employee Care Fund and
Community West Foundation also donated
to the Fund on her behalf.
Vivian is now opening another chapter
in her book and is heading west to live
in Arizona. She has no plans to slow
down any time soon and will continue to
volunteer in her classic ‘pay it forward’
tradition. We know that happy trails await
Vivian and we wish her all the best, but
will miss her greatly!
Volunteers are one of our greatest
resources! If you are interested in volunteer
opportunities at Fairview Hospital, contact
Tina Jacobs, at 216-476-6990. Volunteers
are also needed at Lutheran Hospital, and
if you would like to get involved contact
Becky Spudich at 216-363-2231.
SPOTLIGHT ON…
A Groundbreaking Collaboration to Help the Homeless!
We began this year by continuing our efforts to meet the
needs of the most vulnerable members of our community,
with special emphasis on our homeless men, women,
and families. We awarded $165,000 to five community
based organizations that serve the homeless population of
our city. One of the most significant was the funding of a
new collaborative effort to provide more outreach to the
homeless, especially those who continue to live outside in
tent camps and abandoned buildings.
Jim Schlecht, Care Alliance Outreach Worker, approached
Community West to express his concerns for homeless
women on the streets, who are a much more vulnerable
Jim Schlecht of Care Alliance and Tim Walters of Metanoia Project are
dedicated champions who have devoted their lives to social justice.
target for violence and other aggressive acts. Jim stated the
need for transportation that could pick up homeless women
and get them to a safe shelter – and out of the cold – for the
night. Foundation President and CEO, David Dombrowiak,
was the first to provide emergency funding for this program
from his Presidential Fund. As we continued to talk about
this need with Tim Walters of Metanoia and Rev. Doug
Horner of St. Paul’s Community Outreach, we learned that
there was, in fact, a great necessity for increased outreach
to all the homeless and also a means to deliver standardized
training for those who would help in providing this service.
Presenting this information to David Dombrowiak, he
decided to convene a meeting of those working with the
homeless to learn more about this situation and to consider
new options.
The meeting was attended by representatives from
agencies working with the homeless, and Mr. Dombrowiak
suggested that perhaps a collaborative effort would be the
best way to proceed. It was decided that the Northeast
Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH) would be the
lead agency of this collaboration, along with St. Paul’s,
the Metanoia Project, and Jim Schlecht of Care Alliance,
in developing a standard training program for volunteers.
The overall plan also included training formerly homeless
to become outreach workers and be paid a small stipend,
helping them to continue to move forward.
Brian Davis, Director of Community Organizing at
NEOCH, said, “A number of the outreach teams in
Cleveland came to the Coalition with a frustration that there
were many groups out on the streets, but the coordination
and training was not available. No one was talking to groups
about the importance of compassion, accepting the frailty
and flaws of everyone, and keeping your word to those
on the streets. We met with the President and staff at the
Community West Foundation to talk about the holes in the
system, and they gave us guidance on how we could submit
a grant request as a group, focusing on the positive outcomes
of building relationships with those struggling to find a place
in our community. The Foundation quickly supported our
request, and we have already begun to see dividends with a
bridge being built between the students and religious groups
and the ‘professional’ staff who go out daily to serve those
resistant to living in a shelter.”
This is positive news because we know that there
are many compassionate volunteers who continue their
charitable acts of service to our homeless population – the
majority from local churches and Labre Programs at St.
Ignatius and John Carroll. These volunteers will be receiving
the training that they need to serve the homeless with
increased confidence and resources.
This collaboration is a testament to what can be
accomplished when a community comes together with a
shared purpose, and Community West Foundation feels
there is no greater shared purpose than working together to
improve the lives of those most in need.
Rev. Doug Horner, Senior Pastor, St. Paul’s Community Church, heads out
with the van to help find those in need of shelter.
“In these days of difficulty, we Americans everywhere must and
shall choose a path of social justice, the path of faith, the path of
hope and the path of love toward our fellow man.”
Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Grants Offer Hope to Many
Other agencies supporting the homeless that received grant assistance from the Foundation
include:
Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry’s 2100 Lakeside Men’s Shelter received $40,000 to provide General Operating
support and resources for the nearly 400 men participating in the Work Experience Program. This is Ohio’s largest men’s
shelter, and we were pleased to support this important program that provides stability and hope for these men.
A grant for Operational Support in the amount of $25,000 was provided to Transitional Housing, a facility which has
changed from transitional housing to now include sixty units of permanent supportive housing for women and families.
Almost all of their units are also home to one resident with a disability.
The City Mission, Laura’s Home Women’s Crisis Center received $25,000 for Operational Support for women and
children, the majority of whom have experienced severe physical abuse or other forms of trauma. The Center also has a
three step program to help residents begin to access needed services and to achieve independence.
Grant funding in the amount of $35,000 for the Cleveland Mediation Center will offer training to staff at shelters that
work with the homeless, as well as programs to help Veterans with conflict resolution and homelessness prevention. The
Center’s training program is so successful that it is now presented throughout the country, and referred to as the Cleveland
Model!
St. Paul’s Community Church received $30,000 for their Outreach Drop-In Center and Parish Nurse Program. The
Center serves nearly 60 persons per day, and their Parish Nurse Program is a great resource for the homeless and those living
in poverty that need immediate medical attention. Rev. Doug Horner, Senior Pastor at St. Paul’s Community Church, is well
known for his service and commitment to the poor.
MORE COMMUNITY INVESTMENTS…
Our funding of $125,000 to the Cleveland Foodbank will provide food for over 500,000 meals for our families that are
hungry. The Cleveland Foodbank provides 45 million meals to the one in six persons in our area who are hungry through
their many programs including the Mobile Pantry Program, Fresh Produce Initiative, and Children’s Nutrition Initiative.
Neighborhood Alliance received $50,000 for their Senior Nutrition Home-Delivered Meals Program that provides nearly
85,000 meals to low-income homebound seniors in Lorain County who depend on the agency not only for their meals, but
for the daily visit of friendship to assure all is well. This is the only program in all of Lorain County that provides this much
needed service.
We awarded $20,000 to The Cleveland Sight Center for its Social Work Services Programs to help the blind and those
who are losing their sight learn to adapt and live as independently and safely as possible.
Grant funding of $25,000 to the Beck Center for the Arts will provide nearly 500 hours of arts therapies to serve a wide
range of disabled clients, including: young adults with autism and Down’s syndrome; young adults and children living in
residential facilities and healthcare settings; and seniors living in long-term care or rehabilitation facilities.
The Refugee Response received $18,000 for its Refugee Empowerment Program to continue to train and employ
refugees at the urban farm, located behind Riverview Terrace in Ohio City, using their native agricultural skills and adapting
to life in a new country and culture.
We celebrate the collective efforts of our local nonprofit organizations and all the
people who work every day on the front lines to serve, protect, and seek the very best
for our neighbors in need.
A Warm Welcome to our New Trustees
Community West Foundation welcomed three community leaders to its Board of Directors this year: Jeffrey C. Moritz, Stephen M.
Rini, and Dr. Brian Donley, appointed as Ex-Officio Trustee. Our new members combine an impressive mix of professional success
and personal community service.
We value the participation, support, and guidance of all of our Board members, and we are now proud to count our new trustees
among our most esteemed leaders.
Jeffrey C. Moritz
serves as managing
partner of Craigston
Company in Rocky
River, an investment
partnership
that focuses on
investments in
equity, debt and
Jeffrey C. Moritz
real estate. At the
forefront of the
company’s operations, Jeff is responsible for
sourcing and analyzing potential investments,
monitoring the portfolio, accounting, tax and
investor reporting.
As a dedicated financial professional, Jeff
held successful leadership roles that included
a position as the Senior Vice President,
Corporate Development at KeyCorp, and
Senior Vice President at both Friedman
Billings Ramsey, Inc. and McDonald
Investments Inc.
With an Economics degree from Kenyon
College, an MBA from the Fisher College of
Business, The Ohio State University, and his
excellent industry knowledge, Jeff is a very
welcome addition to the Board.
Steven M. Rini is
a Financial Advisor
for Merrill Lynch,
Pierce, Fenner &
Smith Incorporated,
a leading security
brokerage firm well
known for their
investment advisory
Steven M. Rini
services. Steve has
been a member of the
investment team since 2000, starting as a
financial consultant, where he worked with
a wide range of private funds and partners.
Steve earned his bachelor’s degree from
Boston College and his MBA from the
University of Notre Dame, and professional
designations as a Certified Financial
Manager from Merrill Lynch, and as a
Certified Financial Planner from the CFP
Board, preparing him well for his career.
Steve Rini is the son of our former
Board Member, the late and greatly missed
Chuck Rini, Sr., who worked tirelessly
for the Foundation and its mission. Steve
is following in his father’s footsteps,
embodying the ideals of service and
leadership on the Board, which is a great
tribute to the life and memory of his father.
Thank You Dr. David Bronson!
William Baker presented a handsome plaque of
appreciation from the Foundation to Dr. David
Bronson for his loyal and dedicated service to the
Board of Directors since 2010.
We express our sincere thanks to Dr. David
Bronson for his active participation and
support to the Foundation over the past four
years as our outgoing Ex-Officio Member of
the Board of Directors. Dr. Bronson was the
former President of the Regional Hospitals.
Community West Foundation and the
hospitals have certainly benefited from his
outstanding leadership and understanding of
board governance.
We wish Dr. Bronson well in his new
position as the Senior Public and External
Affairs Advisor at the Cleveland Clinic.
He will work closely with the Clinic’s
government affairs staff on public policy and
promoting medical education and research in
the clinical care environment.
Dr. Brian Donley
is the President of
Cleveland Clinic
Regional Hospitals
and Family Health
Centers. He most
recently served
as vice president
of Cleveland
Brian Donley, M.D.
Clinic Regional
Hospitals and chief
of Regional Hospital Medical Affairs and
Quality, and will oversee the Clinic’s nine
community hospitals and 18 family health
centers in Northeast Ohio.
An orthopaedic surgeon by training,
Dr. Donley joined the Clinic in 1996.
Formerly president of Lutheran Hospital,
he is a professor of surgery at the Lerner
College of Medicine of Case Western
Reserve University, and is very passionate
about helping teach the next generation
of pre-medical and medical students,
orthopaedic residents, and fellows.
As a recognized medical researcher and
academic leader, Dr. Donley has published
numerous articles in orthopaedic journals
and chapters in textbooks, and he serves
as an associate editor for several medical
journals. He graduated with Phi Beta
Kappa honors from the University of
Notre Dame and earned recognition in the
Alpha Omega Alpha honor society at the
University of Michigan Medical School.
Dr. Donley brings a wealth of experience,
and we are very pleased to add his expertise
to the leadership of our board
as an Ex-Officio Member.
“The Foundation takes great
pride in the talent and skills of
our Board of Directors. They
contribute unique perspectives,
dedication, and commitment to
the Foundation that fosters our
great success.”
David T. Dombrowiak
Off to a Fantastic Start at the Straight From the Heart!
We kicked off our 2014 special events calendar at the annual Straight
from the Heart Gala on February 15th. Since its debut 10 years ago, the
popular red-tie gala has combined an evening of dining, dancing, fun, and
forty fantastic raffle prizes.
Few fundraisers enjoy the widespread appeal that the Straight from
the Heart draws and it was a generous night of giving. Our sponsors and
over five hundred guests helped to raise $220,000 to support cardiac care
programs at Fairview, Lutheran, and Lakewood Hospitals – a winning
celebration for our community.
Are you one of the hundreds of guests who enjoyed the memorable
Straight from the Heart event? Check out pictures from the event on our
Facebook Page or on Flickr Photostream at https://www.flickr.com/
photos/communitywestfoundation.
Congratulations to Deanna Kushnirenko, the $100,000
Grand Prize Winner! Lucky Deanna works as an Account
Rep. for Patient Financial Services at Cleveland Clinic.
SAVE THE DATES FOR SUMMER FUN…
Bikers are revved up about the Toy Run every year!
Calling all Golfers…
Two Golf Tournaments Double the
Fun and it’s not too early to sign up.
We’re sure you’ll have a good time
participating at one of our golf events!
Let’s Play Golf!
June 22, 2014 — 19th Annual Toy Run
To benefit Fairview Hospital’s young patients in the Pediatric Unit, festivities begin
at 10:00 a.m. at Lake Erie Harley-Davidson, 38401 Chester Road in Avon, with
music, food, and fun! Bikers gear up at 1:00 p.m. and make their way to Fairview
Hospital to deliver toys, cash, and lots of smiles for the kids!
The post ride party at Fairview Hospital includes check presentation,
refreshments, live music, a raffle and more. Thanks to the good folks at Lake Erie
Harley-Davidson that sponsor this event every year. See you on the road!
June 23, 2014 — 21st Annual Triumph for the Cure Golf Outing
Westwood Country Club in Rocky River
Join us for the fun-filled Triumph for the Cure golf scramble event on June 23rd,
commemorating 21 years of philanthropy! A registration fee of $180 per golfer ($720
per foursome) includes a continental breakfast, traditional round of golf, greens fees,
golf cart, goody bag, lunch, and awards reception. Check in at 8:00 a.m. and 9:00
a.m. tee off. All proceeds benefit the Breast Health Center at Fairview Hospital.
July 15, 2014 — 13th Annual Drive for Life Golf Outing
Red Tail Golf Club in Avon
The highly anticipated Drive for Life Golf Outing on July 15th includes two shot
gun starts at 8:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. The $375 fee ($1,500 per foursome) includes
greens fees, cart, food, refreshments, giveaways, and prizes. All morning golfers
start the day with breakfast, play golf, and then wrap up the day with lunch and
presentation of awards. Afternoon golfers will enjoy lunch, play golf, and finish the
day with delicious hors d’oeuvres and awards. Event proceeds benefit the Cleveland
Clinic Cancer Center at Fairview Hospital, Moll Pavilion.
These golf outings fill up fast, so reserve your foursome or sponsorship today! For
more information on these fundraising events, contact Pat Kubene-Simacek, Special
Events Coordinator, Community West Foundation, at 216-476-7060.
You can register online for these events at: http://www.communitywestfoundation.org/events/
If you’re on Facebook, make sure you “like” our page to keep up to date on all of our special events.
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Please write to us or contact us at 216-476-7060 if you do not wish to receive materials regarding opportunities, services, programs or developments.
2014 Board of Directors
Life Trustees
William W. Baker
Chair of the Board
David T. Dombrowiak
President & CEO
Charles E. Allen
Barbara A. Amsdell
Theodore J. Castele, M.D.
John C. Dannemiller
Walter A. Hagen
David Schultz, M.D.
Harry A. Zilli, Jr.
Trustees
Pamela E. Bobst
Rev. David Buegler
Fred M. DeGrandis
Daniel P. Filippi
Christopher B. H. Harrington
David J. Hessler, Esq.
Henry T. Jacques
John W. Kemper, Sr.
Steven A. Lamb, M.D.
James Magisano, M.D.
Jeffrey C. Moritz
Patrick J. Mulloy
Rev. William Murphy
William R. Oatey
Joyesh Raj, M.D.
William J. Reidy
Steven M. Rini
Michael G. Romanello
Martin J. Uhle
Robert Warren, Jr.
Robert J. Yaroma
Brian Donley, M.D.
Ex-Officio
Theodore J. Castele, M.D.
Chair Emeritus
Go Green!
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www.communitywestfoundation.org
216-476-7060