Article Number : 4608 |
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| Date | 6/30/2009 8:55:03 AM |
| Written By | LGM & Associates Technical Flooring Services |
| View this article at: | //floorbiz.com/BizResources/NPViewArticle.asp?ArticleID=4608 |
| Abstract | By Steven Feldman Rite Rug has been a vital part of the Columbus, Ohio, community for 75 years —not just for selling flooring to the residents of the city and neighboring suburbs, but also as a major donor to an array of... |
| Article | By Steven Feldman Rite Rug has been a vital part of the Columbus, Ohio, community for 75 years —not just for selling flooring to the residents of the city and neighboring suburbs, but also as a major donor to an array of causes, all of which enhance the city. They include: The Wexner Center for the Arts. One of the premier modern art galleries in America, the Wexner Center is Ohio State University’s laboratory for the exploration and advancement of contemporary art. Through exhibitions, screenings, performances, artist residencies and educational programs, the 20-yearold Wexner Center acts as a forum where established and emerging artists can test ideas and where diverse audiences can participate in cultural experiences. “The Wexner Center for the Arts has enjoyed longstanding and generous support from Michael Goldberg, his family and his company,” said Jeff Byars, director of development. “Michael’s personal commitment to the Wexner Center’s programs exemplifies his belief in giving back to the community in which his company is from and thrived.” Goldberg noted that he felt Rite Rug should support an art. “Wexner is very beneficial to the community. It offers many educational opportunities for families and expands children’s cultural horizons. Our employees are very proud that Rite Rug supports the Wexner.” With an eye toward nurturing and inspiring future generations, the Goldbergs created a Wexner Center endowment fund to sustain and expand the center’s programs for children and families. This new fund, supporting the annual children’s film festival, performing arts series for families and other outstanding events for young audiences, will help to bring families together and introduce children to the power of creativity and artistic expression. Ohio State University James Cancer Clinic. The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center— James Cancer Hospital is a world-class healthcare enterprise focused on improving the lives of cancer patients. It is one of only 40 institutions in the United States designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as a “comprehensive” cancer center. Opened July 9, 1990, the hospital conducts treatments for cancer and research in the Solove Research Institute. Thus, it is dedicated to translating research into high-quality patient care and educational programs for residents of central Ohio and beyond. Last year, The James was again rated as one of “America’s Best Hospitals” by U.S. News & World Report. “I have personal, emotional ties to the hospital,” Goldberg said. “My wife had breast cancer more than 12 years ago. They took great care of her; it’s a great hospital. We’ve been supporting it for years.” Michael Caligiuri, MD, director and CEO of the OSUCCC- James, noted that “the generosity of community partners like Rite Rug is vital to the mission of Ohio State‘s Comprehensive Cancer Center-James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. Their support continues our work of turning discoveries into treatments so patients can become survivors.” The Columbus Metropolitan Library. The library, which dates back to 1873, consistently ranks at the top of its class and is among the most-used library systems in the country. In 2008, it was ranked No. 1 in the United States for the third time by Hennen’s American Public Library Rating Index. The library offers an array of services to the public, including Summer Reading Clubs, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes and free access to extensive databases. The system includes the main library, outreach services division and 20 branches throughout the area. “The library is also very personal,” Goldberg said. “Growing up I wasn’t much of a reader. Thanks to my wife, who is a big reader, I now often read a book a day on vacation.” A spokesperson for the library said Rite Rug’s donations have made a significant positive impact on the Summer Reading Club program as well as the thousands of children who participate in the program each year. Goldberg added that Rite Rug is a major donor to the library because it supports everyone in the city. “Everyone uses the library. What could be better than supporting a library? It feels good to be involved in something like that.” Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. This non-profit zoo has a worldwide reputation, largely attributable to the efforts and promotion of director emeritus Jack Hanna. Opened in 1927, the zoo is home to more than 5,000 animals representing over 700 species and attracts 1.8 million-plus visitors annually. “As a little boy, my grandfather used to take me to that zoo at least once a year,” Goldberg said. “I always loved it. “I’m very proud that we can support it, particularly because it’s another thing the whole community can enjoy.” Hanna noted that Goldberg and Rite Rug have not only been friends of the zoo and aquarium, but to many civic organizations throughout the state of Ohio. “Not only have the animals benefited from its kindness and generosity, but millions of zoo visitors have been exposed to a world of animals that they would have never gotten a chance to see in the wild,” he said. |