The City of Dayton has announced the newest investments of Dayton Recovery Plan funds, following approval of contracts by the City Commission. Investments of $500,000 for the Ronald McDonald House and $300,000 for the Boys & Girls Club of Dayton will support new or improved facilities crucial to the non-profits’ missions.
Funding for both awards will be provided through the Dayton Recovery Plan’s $7.3 million Aiding Community and Small Business Recovery component. This section of the plan focuses on supporting community health and wellness, assisting small businesses and organizations, and providing educational opportunities.
The Dayton Recovery Plan is a $138 million framework for community COVID relief and investment for the future, made possible by the federal American Rescue Plan Act.
“These two organizations have a demonstrated history of making a difference in the lives of families and children, and the City of Dayton is pleased to support them through the Dayton Recovery Plan,” said City Manager Shelley Dickstein. “Their renewed commitment to their missions through facility improvements will have a positive impact in Dayton neighborhoods as well.”
Helping our community
Earlier this year, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Dayton announced plans to raise $25 million to build a new 42-room facility on Valley Street. Housing is a critical component of the continuum of care, but the current 14-room facility across from Dayton Children’s Hospital’s main campus is unable to meet the growing need for services.
Dayton has become a destination city for pediatric health care as a result of advancements in outpatient and specialty services and Shriners Children’s Ohio’s move to the city from Cincinnati in 2021.
“Last year Ronald McDonald House had to turn away 63% of the families that came to us for housing. Expanding our capacity is significant to the strategic growth of our region’s healthcare sector and necessary to support the hundreds of families who travel to Dayton each year for their child’s medical care,” said Rita Cyr, Executive Director, Ronald McDonald House Charities of Dayton.
The Ronald McDonald House funding will support architecture and design fees as well as engineering fees (groundbreaking, foundation pouring, construction). In accordance with the City’s emphasis on the use of Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), there is a 15% aspirational MBE goal assigned to this contract.
The Boys & Girls Club of Dayton/West Dayton Community Recreation & Space Sharing Project will use the Dayton Recovery Plan funds for construction/renovation services at its West Stewart Street facility, including electrical, plumbing, and other trades services, as well as needed equipment upgrades. In accordance with the City’s focus on the use of MBE, there is a 25% aspirational MBE goal assigned to the contract.
Club members are children ranging from kindergarten to high school age, and 96% are African American.
“We know there are hundreds more young people in West Dayton who would benefit from our programs, but the condition of the facility is a barrier to recruitment and retention of families who can take advantage of our education and enrichment programs,” said Mica Goosby, Board Chair of the Boys & Girls Club. “West Dayton is a vibrant community with a rich cultural heritage and community assets, and the City of Dayton’s investment in the Boys & Girls Club will allow us to continue to help families and children succeed. We are grateful for the City’s leadership and their support of our mission to build a bright future for our youth.”
Cooking Alone…Together
This weekend, April 12-13, 2019, you can rock out to a 2-night music event and fundraiser for the 
PSA Airlines, the winner in the 176+ employees category, is committed to ensuring safe, reliable operations for its customers. It operates more than 750 daily flights to over 90 destinations and its growing. At PSA, passion is shared, professional excellence is expected and all are valued and respected. Leadership is committed to ethical practices and works to develop future leaders. The airline has three areas of community support focus: meeting children’s needs, military and veterans and improving the lives of people in need. PSA and its employees support many causes with their time and dollars. Employees are even able to log personal volunteer hours to earn airline miles and donate them to a 501c3 of their choice. PSA Airlines believes in treating customers and each other with dignity and respect, which impacts the community.
There was a tie for the Nonprofit Eclipse Integrity Award in the 0-1 employees category. The first winner in the category was Hannah’s Treasure Chest. Hannah’s Treasure Chest enriches the lives of children in need by providing care packages of quality clothing, shoes, safety equipment, books and personal care items. Last year alone, it distributed over 241,000 items through more than 50 partner agencies with the help of 75 core volunteers who give over 20,000 hours of their time annually. These volunteers extend the reach of Hannah’s Treasure Chest by volunteering to help further other organizations’ missions on four Wednesdays in the summer — organizations like The Dayton Foodbank, Crayons to Classrooms and Habitat for Humanity. Mutual respect, viability, team achievement, accountability and communication are the core values embraced every day in Hannah’s Treasure Chest’s quest for integrity.
The second winner is this category was Sophie’s For the Love of Animals/Sophie’s Companions for Veterans Foundation. After the tragic death of Sophie Kerrigan, her mom created the nonprofit to honor her memory and passion for animals. The organization raised money to supply food, medication, surgeries, kennels and more to shelters and sanctuaries caring for abused and neglected animals. In 2016, it began raising funds to adopt, train and pair animals with disabled veterans to allow them the ability and confidence to leave their homes, changing the lives of some of our nation’s heroes, while saving the lives of the animals. The organization values giving back to the community as the team understands without the community’s connection and backing, there would be no growth.
BBB honored Ronald McDonald House Charities of Dayton with the Nonprofit Eclipse Integrity Award in the 2-15 employees category. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Dayton’s mission is to support families of seriously ill children by creating a community of comfort and hope for families dealing with the unimaginable. In 2017, it provided well over 13,500 nights of service for families from over 20 US states and two different countries and cared for 100+ visitors daily in its Family Rooms. They couldn’t have accomplished it without the support of nearly 700 volunteers giving nearly 3,900 hours of service. The team is committed to being Ronald McDonald House Charities strong, which means they go above and beyond and pride themselves in operating with high standard of excellence. They are always looking for opportunities for continuous improvement. The team leads with compassion, celebrates diversity and operates with accountability and transparency.
During the evening, the 2017 Torch Award recipient, Danis Building Construction Company, represented by John Danis passed the torch to the 2018 honoree, McAfee Heating & Air Conditioning Co., Inc., represented by Greg McAfee. McAfee Heating & Air Conditioning Co. invested in its community by purchasing a neighboring building, which was in a state of disrepair to bring all of its operation under one top-notch facility, which also features two training centers, an idea center, multiple conference rooms, basketball court and areas for rest and relaxation. Committed to helping others grow personally and professionally, McAfee began a scholarship program in 2015 called “You Can Count On Me,” which recognizes and awards ten area high school seniors with $2,500 scholarships. Greg McAfee is certified and approved to teach State of Ohio Continuing Education classes for the renewing of state licenses. He also hosts classes for other HVAC contractors to learn how to grow business. More than 150 contractors have participated in this training in the last six years. The company’s been a proud sponsor and partner of the K99.1 Cares for Kids Radiothon, which raises money to provide high-quality pediatric health care to infants, children and teens. McAfee hosted its first Truck-or-Treat event last year, attended by nearly 1,500 local children and their families. Countless donations, sponsorships, volunteer services and fundraising efforts take place benefiting a variety of organizations, including Athletes In Action, Dayton Development Coalition, The Salvation Army Dayton Kroc Center and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Dayton.
The Greentree Group/Back To Business I.T. took home the honor. As Travis Greenwood, president and CEO, says, “Integrity drives the company’s decisions. It motivates our actions. It serves as the foundation for our business and is, without doubt, the key factor for Greentree’s success.” The list of reasons the company was selected is long. Since the company first won the Eclipse Integrity Award in 2010, Back To Business I.T. has experienced a 3,500% growth explosion. It’s eliminated yearly performance appraisals and replaced them with better daily communication and on-going face-to-face performance discussions. It has a generous professional development program that employees are encouraged to take advantage of to earn degrees and certifications. Throughout the years, Greentree has donated more than $1 million in direct contributions and in-kind services to dozens of organizations and efforts, including Dayton Art Institute, FLOC, BOGG, TAC Industries and Wright State University Foundation. Since 2018 is Greentree’s 25th year in business, it’s holding monthly contests and drawings with employees. On behalf of the winners, Greentree donates $1000 to the winner’s favorite charity. The owners of Greentree have even awarded several full one-year scholarships to deserving Wright State University students.
The 
Long time Dayton residents know all about the Amber Rose Restaurant in the Old North Dayton neighborhood, just north of the Great Miami River. Specializing in Eastern European cuisine, which matches the immigrants who first settled in this neighborhood, the Amber Rose is a great Old World atmosphere, and delicious food. Dishes like Turtle Soup, Cabbage Rolls, Schnitzel, and more! They describe the restaurant this way:
Charities! This donation will be given to the families of the critically ill hospitalized children. Every customer that brings in a donated item will receive 5% off of their bill. Each additional item will constitute as an added percentage off- Up to 10%. 1 ITEM=5% OFF, 3 ITEMS=8% off *Only 1 discount per check. Not valid with any other discounts.
