CLEVELAND — Like many other nonprofit fundraisers affected by the pandemic, the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio’s annual "Walk, Rock and Run" had to take place virtually this year.
Although the well-known event lacked the usual highlights – hand-held signs about tolerance and equity waving everywhere, t-shirted teams stepping off from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and receiving free ice cream upon return, 3News Anchor Russ Mitchell presiding over it all as grand marshal -- the event still managed to raise more than $200,000 this year.
At a ceremony held today via Zoom to recognize the biggest contributors to the June 21 event, employees from Thompson Hine LLP law firm took the top prize for workplace fundraising.
Mitchell, who serves on the Diversity Center’s board, presented the award to Thompson Hine’s team, who created a “Virtual Racing Challenge” that pitted runners from each floor of their office building against each other. After the firm matched each donation dollar for dollar, the innovative concept succeeded in raising $16,030.
Receiving the Diversity Center’s Workplace Traveling Trophy were Thompson Hine LLP Partner Robyn Minter Smyers and team members Tasha Miracle, Nirvana Dove, Kip Bollin and Eduardo Kim.
Also, Diversity Center Board Member Azadeh Hardiman was recognized as the Walk, Rock and Run’s top individual fundraiser, bringing in $2,000 for the organization.
Representing the Diversity Center during the awards ceremony were President and CEO Peggy Zone Fisher and Board Chair Tracie Longpre. Founded in 1927 as the National Conference of Christians and Jews, the Diversity Center’s mission is to eliminate bias, bigotry and racism.
You can watch an entire interview for the Diversity Center below: