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MI C H A E L J . S WA L L O W
The Nort heast Ohi o Foundat i on f or Pat ri ot i sm
CBIZ Retirement Plan Services
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M
ichael J. Swallow, senior vice president at CBIZ
Retirement Plan Services in Cleveland, is leading
the way for the next generation of philanthropists.
Mr. Swallow and his team co-founded the Northeast Ohio Foundation
for Patriotism (NEOPAT) in 2011 to support local military personnel and
their families, and to create a bridge between military and nonmilitary
Ohioans.
Our generation wants to do great things. Theres a
pent-up demand for community, Mr. Swallow said.
You just have to make it exciting and easy.
NEOPATs 10 board members are all between 29 and 45.
The charity focuses its energy on four areas: health/morale/emergency
aid such as rent, utilities, home repairs and holiday gifts
remembrance/memorial projects, educational scholarships, and events
that promote patriotism.
NEOPATs mission has resonated powerfully with its supporters.
Fundraising and donor engagement exploded from the start.
For example, the charitys frst annual gala attracted 500 attendees and
netted $42,000 just two months after the organization was launched.
Last year, the net was $70,000, and it is $85,000 so far in 2013.
Since January 2011 with the help of some 40 corporations and 500
nonmilitary families NEOPAT has donated more than $250,000 to
serve the needs of about 3,000 military families.
This cause is unopposed, Mr. Swallow said.
Its tremendously powerful.
Volunteer
of the Year