Hundreds gathered at NEOMED to kick off the United Way of Portage County’s (UWPC) annual workplace giving campaign on Tuesday, Oct. 3. Those in attendance learned of the many ways UWPC provides essential support for the local community. They also had a chance to participate in sports and wellness-related activities and to mingle with local celebrities.
Pro golfer and British Open champion Ben Curtis accepted a check for his charity, the Ben Curtis Family Foundation, which strives to alleviate childhood hunger. Curtis also helped coach attendees in a chipping contest. Otto Orf, the former goalie for the Cleveland Crunch and Cleveland Force, was also present to spread awareness about his charity, Hands On Sports, which provides positive environments, education and opportunity for at-risk youth through soccer.
The United Way of Portage County presented a check to SOAR, the student-run free clinic at NEOMED. From left to right are Jay Gershen, president of NEOMED; Matt Genco, fourth-year medicine student; UWPC emeritus board members David Dix and Neil Mann Jr.; and Bill Childers, president and CEO of UWPC.
Otto Orf signs an autograph for Ann Williams, administrative coordinator for the Department of Family and Community Medicine.