COLUMBUS, Ohio — Heating, Air-conditioning, and Refrigeration Distributors International’s (HARDI) philanthropic arm, Helping All Live On (HALO), raised more than $60,000 for Homes for Our Troops (HFOT), a charitable organization that builds specially adapted, mortgage-free homes for post-9/11 veterans who suffer life-altering injuries in combat.
Efforts in 2015 nearly tripled the $22,000 raised in 2014.
Throughout the year, HARDI members supported HALO through various fundraisers, such as scratch-and-dent sales, golf tournaments, potlucks, and bake sales. One company even created a contractor program that donated a portion of proceeds from installed thermostats. Additionally, HALO raised more than $19,000 through more than 55 items contributed to the annual silent auction.
“These veterans have gone halfway around the world and suffered injuries that have literally altered the courses of their lives — often narrowly escaping death or losing friends and comrades in the process,” said Dave Chatmon, chair of HARDI’s Impact Committee. “Helping them have homes adapted to their injuries gives them back some independence — independence we enjoy because of their sacrifices. The question isn’t whether or not to give; it’s how much can we give.”
Notable contributions were made by Coastal HVAC Supply, Houston; White-Rogers, St. Louis; and Arkema, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.
HARDI’s Impact Committee, which drives association and member participation with Homes for Our Troops (HFOT), is seeking to continue this upward trend and is requesting HARDI members’ participation, support, and fundraising ideas for 2016.
“There are so many ways to support HALO,” said Mike Braun, Impact Committee vice chair. “It can be as simple as passing the hat around the office or as elaborate as building a sales incentive around it. This is a great opportunity to be innovative, find new ways to raise money, and tie it into your 2016 goals and strategies.”
Anyone interested in getting involved can contact Sue Calvin at 614-345-4328.
Publication date: 2/15/2016
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