CLEVELAND — The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio's mission is to eliminate bias, bigotry, and racism. The organization raises funds for its in-school programming throughout the region through an event called "Walk, Rock, Roll and Run," where participants take part in a one or three-mile walk or a 5K run.
The event was held on May 4 at the Great Lakes Science Center Plaza, with 3News anchor and managing editor Russ Mitchell serving as the Grand Marshal. Around 1,000 community members participated in the event, which raised $224,867.
On Wednesday, July 10, Mitchell along with Diversity Center President and CEO Peggy Zone Fisher recognized the fundraising winners for the event. The two categories for fundraising winners are Top Individual Prize Winner and Top Workplace Traveling Trophy Winner.
This year, FirstEnergy made a comeback. That's because the corporation coordinated a successful campaign and was able to acquire Top Workplace honors from last year's winner Thompson-Hine, and will have bragging rights for one year. FirstEnergy raised $17,270.
"With regards to our trophy, first of all, we are happy to have it back in its rightful place," Maggie Myers, manager of FEU Process Improvement at FirstEnergy, said. "[Thompson Hine] put a good fight, but we edged them out."
All of this said in good fun, of course.
The Diversity Center's in-school programming include workshops, conferences, and retreats for students in grades K-12 in hopes they will become leaders and make positive changes in their schools and communities.
The Top Individual Prize went to 11-year-old Elizabeth Collister, who raised $2,330. Elizabeth will receive the Rock Hall experience package, where she will be the DJ for the day.
"Elizabeth did this on her own," Fisher said. "She went to her mother and said, 'I want to be a part of this, and I want to raise my own dollars.' For an 11-year-old, that's huge."
And after 18 years working at The Diversity Center, Fisher will retire from her position on Aug. 31. One of her retirement plans includes participating in the walk instead of coordinating it.
"This is a very bittersweet time for me," Fisher admitted, "but I feel the time is right and I am really leaving the organization in such capable hands."
Mark Swaim-Fox will become president and CEO of The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio on Sept. 1.