Lesson 4: Notable Philanthropists
Throughout the year, students in the PSL class will have the opportunity to meet notable philanthropists: Tina Mettler, Asa Cox, and Roger Grein. Hearing these dynamic presentations helps students to appreciate what motivates individuals to give back so generously to their community and also helps them to recognize the qualities that educated philanthropists look for when sharing their time, talent, and treasure with non-profit organizations.
Tina Mettler is a lifetime resident of Perry. She gives generously to her community through her involvement in 4H, as a softball Mom, and the Pet Pals animal therapy program. In October 2014, Tina was named the Director of the Kids Who Can Youth Empowerment Program at Working Animals Giving Service For Kids (W.A.G.S. 4 Kids). Mother of three, Tina came to W.A.G.S. out of the need of her own daughter Susie Mettler. Susie, a member of the PSL class of 2014, became a quadriplegic due to a sledding accident in the winter of 2013. Her dream was to have a service dog of her own as a partner and helper. Before that dream became a reality, Susie passed away on July 4, 2014. Through this enormous loss, Tina Mettler became inspired to help W.A.G.S. 4 Kids and all the kids who are waiting for a dog of their own by taking on the leadership of the "Kids Who Can" program.
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Tina Mettler |
Asa Cox |
Asa Cox, founded Asa’s Angels in 2007 to give back to the Northeast Ohio community where she also owns and operates a real estate business. Each year, Asa’s Angels supports four seasonal donation drives at Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, and back to school time. What began as a small grass roots operation evolved into a robust program that annually feeds more than 500 people at Thanksgiving, gives over 6,000 gifts to needy families at Christmas time, provides Easter baskets to over 600 children, and collects school supplies for over 2,000 local students. Motivated by her personal experience growing up in poverty, Asa takes a hands-on approach in each effort by serving meals, shopping for Christmas gifts, and filling backpacks with school supplies. In addition to giving generously to each cause, she also enlists the support of community organizations, businesses, and volunteers. To learn more about Asa's philanthropic initiatives, read these articles in the News Herald and Star Beacon.
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Roger Grein is a successful businessman, philanthropist, and speaker from Cincinnati, Ohio. In 2012, Roger was named the Philanthropist of the Year by the Association of Fundraising Professionals Cincinnati Chapter. Over the last 20 years, Roger donated over $7 million to several charities and colleges. In 2000, Roger took an active interest in programs that empowered college students to make donation decisions and ultimately supported 16 colleges in several states. In 2008, Grein founded Magnified Giving, an organization dedicated to teaching high school students to become educated philanthropists. Magnified Giving started with 18 public and private high schools. Today the program is in place at over 50 high schools, touching the lives of over 3,000 students, and will donate over $80,000 to 50+ non-profit organizations. Roger spreads his message of living for others and overcoming life's obstacles by speaking to audiences all over the United States. To learn more about Roger and his life of serving others view the video below.
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Roger Grein |