Perez Morris, KEMBA Financial, Right Way Medical, and Buckeye Elm Contracting raised over $12k to help Etna Road Elementary make up for lost funding
Today, Perez Morris shared that they led the charge in raising over $12,000 for a local elementary school, Etna Road Elementary, to provide clothing, meals, holiday gifts, emergency family relief, and ongoing support for programming at the school. The donation would not have been possible without the support of their partners at KEMBA Financial Credit Union, Right Way Medical, and Buckeye Elm Contracting.
After the firm’s managing attorney, Sarah Perez and founding partner, John Perez learned that the school lost funding ahead of the holidays that would strip away holiday gifts and resources for families, Perez Morris adopted the school to help offset lost funding by rallying valued partners together to collaborate in compiling a direct donation.
The donation allowed Etna Road Elementary to provide clothing and fulfill Christmas wish lists for 29 kids and their families, with more than 200 items total received at year-end. Now, the remainder of the donation will be used to support the school throughout 2021.
Initially, the school only needed $6,000 to make up for lost funding, but when the initiative was finalized the businesses banded together to raise double that amount. The surplus dollars will be contributed to the Etna Road Principal’s Fund, which will be used for emergency relief to families, support for programs at the school, and for the food pantry they have onsite.
“Our Columbus community has helped to build and support Perez Morris for decades, and we feel a responsibility to give back to those who need it. We also feel so very privileged to have partners that are aligned with that,” explains Sarah Perez, firm managing attorney at Perez Morris. “When we learned Etna Road lost their funding, we were honored to have the opportunity to rally funds to invest in our community’s youth. By doing so, we’re building opportunities that will help build a stronger foundation for the Columbus of tomorrow.”
While COVID-19 has caused hardships for many families across our city, it’s been especially difficult for the students at Etna Road, as nearly all the students and their families identify as economically disadvantaged, with 20% being English language learners.
“It was KEMBA’s pleasure to partner with Etna Elementary School and support their work, it fully complements our mission of enriching the financial lives of the communities we serve,” said Mark Decello, President & CEO of KEMBA Financial Credit Union. “KEMBA has had a presence in Whitehall since the late 70s, and we’re proud to support its residents.”
Right Way Medical shares the sentiment. “Right Way Medical is proud to be a small part of the Etna Road Elementary project spearheaded by Perez & Morris,” explains Josh Prati, President and CEO of Right Way Medical. “With the holidays being a stressful time for many, plus the added difficulties of 2020, it was natural for our team to lend a hand and continue to support our community. We hope this gift helps connect families to resources for ongoing support throughout the year and creates a ripple effect of giving for 2021.”
