Dover's Smith Concrete mixes business with charity

  • By Kyle Valentini
  • September 15, 2011
  • 311
                        
Summary: Board members at Rainbow of Hope Foundation at Mt. Hope couldn’t have asked for nicer weather when Smith Concrete at Dover unveiled a mixer truck painted with the foundations logo on September 13. A program designed to raise awareness about special non-profit organizations, Smith has had nine custom trucks painted with one more coming later in 2011. Smith Concrete at Dover has found a unique way to give back to the community and support local non-profit organizations. Beginning in 2010 Smith has had mixer trucks custom painted with different organization’s logos as a means of promotion and creating public awareness. Each theme truck serves as a moving billboard for these special organizations that have included the American Cancer Society: Making strides against breast cancer, 4-H, the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association, Drug Abuse Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.), the Akron Make-a-Wish Foundation and others. On September 13, the latest truck was unveiled for Rainbow of Hope Foundation at Mt. Hope. Rainbow of Hope Foundation was founded in 1988 and is a non-profit organization that’s sole purpose is to provide funds for needy families that have incurred medical expenses for their children. Rainbow of Hope Foundation accepts applications from families with outstanding medical expenses from accidents, illnesses or ongoing care for handicap children. Rainbow of Hope Foundation founder and chairman, Henry Hershberger was present when Smith’s mixer truck arrived in the foundation’s parking lot. “It’s beautiful. They did a wonderful job. Many people will see this and be reminded of the good work we do,” said Hershberger. Also present for the unveiling were Rainbow of Hope Foundation board members Anthony Kaufman, Joe Miller, David Troyer and David Miller. Several staff members from Smith were there to dedicate the truck. “This project allows us to be involved with the community and we are very proud to be representatives of each organization,” said Rick Kemper, Operations Manager of Smith Concrete. Dick Wilson, Vice President of Smith Concrete said, “We see the themed trucks as a way to give back to the community. Our trucks will be seen on the road and at various sites throughout the region we serve. When we partner with each organization it is our way of supporting their cause and helping to promote public awareness.” Smith’s themed truck program started in late 2009 after an employee survey determined which organizations to support. Five mixer trucks were dedicated in 2010 with another five being dedicated in 2011. “This project has been great and we will continue it for years to come. A lot of organizations are suffering financially and we are pleased to be able to support them,” said Wilson. The Kimble Mixer Co. at New Philadelphia did the custom painting and Imagine This Renovations at Massillon provided the specialty decals in the organizations colors. Smith Staff Accountant Millie Fouss said, “Our mixer truck cabs are usually tan. We knew this truck was going to be different. We went with white for the cab and it just looks great!” Rainbow of Hope Foundation funding comes from donations, individuals, businesses, and churches. A major portion of their budget comes from the annual auction held in late July in Mt. Hope. The Rainbow of Hope Foundation auctions have featured fine furniture, quilts, and many other items and services for twenty five years. “The auction is our biggest fundraiser so this truck will remind people we are still here the rest of the year,” said Hershberger. “We raise about $20,000 at the auction each year and have been able to give over $320,000 to families in need over the years.” Rainbow of Hope Foundation serves families in Holmes, Wayne, Tuscarawas and Coshocton Counties. If you know a family that needs financial assistance or would like to make a donation call 330-674-5062, write them at Rainbow of Hope Foundation, P.O. Box 8, Mt. Hope, Ohio 44660 or visit them on the web.


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