Northeast Ohio's Everyday Champions
What is an everyday champion? It's someone who goes above and beyond to help their neighbors, those who lift the region or make Northeast Ohio a better place to live.
Last fall, we started asking viewers to tell us about their everyday champions so that we could highlight their good deeds and let their works inspire others to make a difference too. The response was fantastic. From senior citizens to young kids, to priests working in prisons and retirees helping our veterans readjust to civilian life, the stories of the nominees touched our hearts and we hope they will touch yours as well.
Logan Kuhn
Founder of Logan's Lunches
Inspired by a public service announcement about hunger he saw when he was 6 years old, Logan began a non-profit program to provide lunches for school kids who might otherwise go hungry on weekends.
Monte Casey
Bringing veterans peace of mind one cast at a time
A longtime Northeast Ohio fishing guide, Monte is using his passion for fly fishing to help veterans adjust to life off the battlefield and being back at home.
Bob Vavrek
Transforming personal loss into uplifting moments for others
Even after he lost his reason for visiting a local nursing home, Bob keeps coming back and making a difference in the lives of its residents.
Tequila Pennington-Calwise
Building tomorrow's leaders today
As the founder and CEO of Lady Bound, Tequila has given hundreds of teenage girls experiences and exposure outside of their urban neighborhoods and classrooms by utilizing her own personal funds to take them to leadership conferences, girls health summits, minority teen conventions, and fun bonding trips to help girls learn how to build healthy, friendly relationship skills.
Andre Wilson
Going the extra mile since the age of 9
Even at a very young age Andre knew he wanted to help the less fortunate or those unable to help themselves. And his goal is simple... to leave everyone with a smile.
Sharon Weisman
Making a silent world come alive
Sharon has turned a small gathering of sign language students into a celebration of the deaf community in Northeast Ohio.
Dorothy Kasper
Teaching kids core values one swing at a time
Dorothy devotes countless hours helping children gain confidence and preparing them to be the best they can be as they grow up.
Debby Rowland
Giving kids courage in their most trying of times
Debby founded "Kids Capes of Courage," a program that provides capes to children needing comfort in challenging situations.
Dawn Kroh
Leading the charge in the battle against addiction
Dawn's coleagues say she always goes above and beyond to serve the people of Lorain County where she serves as the site director of Firelands Counseling and Recovery. Dawn’s colleagues say her passion for helping others and her commitment to changing lives truly makes her an Everyday Champion.
Toya Owens-Hodge
Helping families through their toughest times
Nominated by several members of the community, Toya goes above and beyond her official title of guidance counselor and teacher. Toya Owens-Hodge has helped families in need, at-risk and abused children through the toughest of times, even giving her own belongings up to those who could use them more.
Father Neil Walters
Serving those who may need a little extra love, understanding and grace.
Father Walters is changing the lives of the people he serves. As a volunteer chaplain at the Cuyahoga County jail, her routinely gives advice and encouragement to individuals many would turn their back upon.
Rev. Morris Eason
Helping teens in Northeast Ohio fight their biggest problems….and find success.
Meet Reverend Morris Eason. He's using punches and prayers to help teens in Northeast Ohio fight their biggest problems….and find success.
Zara Jackson
A 4th grader on a mission to make a difference for those fighting cancer
Meet a pint-sized powerhouse who's changing the lives of those fighting cancer, and their families too.
Baylee Beckley
Inspiring others while engaged in the battle of her life
In the darkest of time, this young lady is proving to be a light of hop for her classmates, teachers and family.
