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‘Change for Change’ at Rockne’s surpasses $50,000
BENJAMIN WHITE
Associate Editor
Published: August 13, 2013
After six years of burgers, salads and beers, the Change for Change initiative at the Merriman Road Rockne’s last month surpassed $50,000 in donations to local charities.
The local meeting place and gastropub began donating all tips on the last Thursday afternoon of each month to a different local charity in 2007. Summit County Executive Russ Pry started the program as one of his first acts after assuming the county’s helm. Though idea began was Pry’s, Rockne’s presides over Change for Change, and the county only publicizes and supports the endeavor.
“It’s a really huge gift,” said Jill Skapin, the county’s director of communications. “It’s amazing that they give up their tips.”
Skapin said Chris Hamad, the owner of Rockne’s, has his children bartend during the Change for Change fundraisers.
In July, the charity raised over $2,200 for the United Saghbeen Society, which supports a school in Lebanon.
Other charities helped this year include Stewart’s Caring Place, The Ohio Department of Veteran’s Services’ Women’s Advisory Committee, the Christ Child Society of Akron and Valor Home. Last year, Change for Change raised over $6,500.
Skapin said local nonprofits have clamored to take part in Change for Change fundraisers.
“We are now booking charities in the year 2015,” she said.