CLEVELAND — Corporations and individuals who raised the most dollars to support the Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio’s signature event, the Walk, Rock, Roll and Run, were recognized today in a virtual ceremony hosted by 3News Anchor Russ Mitchell.
Founded in 1927, the Diversity Center works to eliminate bias, bigotry, and racism by bringing diversity workshops and programming into schools, workplaces, and communities.
To continue its services in schools, the organization holds its Walk, Rock, Roll and Run annually to raise funds. This year’s event, held June 7, raised a total of $267,769.
Mitchell has presided over the event as grand marshal for the past decade. Today, in a zoom awards ceremony, he announced the top fundraisers.
The awards went to:
Top Individual Fundraiser: Azadeh Hardiman of Progressive Insurance. She will receive a Rock Hall Special Experience that includes a private tour, gift bag and a chance to deejay her favorite song at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Top Workplace Fundraising Team: First Energy. Maggie Myers and LaJeana Dickson-Gilliam represented the team, which will win a traveling trophy.
Azadeh raised $1,500 and First Energy raised $13,470.
In addition to school programs, the Diversity Center of Northeast also offers workplace clients workshops, coaching, and consulting services to address issues of bias, bigotry, and racism in the workplace.
It also selects of a group of 40 professionals from various corporate, nonprofit, governmental, and community organizations to participate in a 10-month leadership development program called LeadDIVERSITY. For more information, visit https://www.diversitycenterneo.org/.