Associates with Simonton Windows in two states have joined together to raise $56,000 for two different charities benefiting cancer research. As part of Pelotonia 2013 in Columbus, Ohio, Team Simonton raised almost $15,000 for cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center. And, in May, associates at Simonton facilities in West Virginia raised $41,000 for the American Cancer Society during the 12th Annual “Relay for Life” Charity Auction.
Ten associates from Simonton Windows participated in the fifth annual Pelotonia bike ride in Columbus, Ohio in early August. The dedicated team members traveled several hundred miles combined on different routes throughout the city to help raise funds for cancer research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center.
The Simonton team members have raised a total of $14,965 to date for cancer research and will continue collecting funds through early October. Last year, Team Simonton raised $17,405 through their Pelotonia charity efforts.
Pelotonia, a grassroots bike tour started just four years ago with 500 bike riders, has now raised more than $54 million for cancer research. This year, 6,723 riders rode from one of six route options leaving Columbus Commons on August 9. Cyclists could select from one- or two-day rides in distances from 25 to 50 to 75 to 100 miles.
“We’re motivated to support this event because we know that 100 percent of all funds raised are provided directly to the researchers at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center to support their efforts to understand, prevent and cure cancer,” says Terry Craig, vice president of information technology for Simonton Windows, who participated in the event.
On Saturday, May 4, 2013, Simonton Windows hosted its 12th annual auction to benefit the American Cancer Society and raised $41,000 by selling more than 600 energy-efficient Simonton windows and doors. During the past 12 years the charity fundraiser has generated more than $405,000 in contributions for the Relay for Life fundraising efforts in Ritchie and Pleasant counties in West Virginia.
“People were extremely enthusiastic about participating in this year’s event,” says Dave Meeks, co-organizer of the event and a dispatcher/scheduler at Simonton Windows. “We significantly exceeded the amount of funds raised last year, which allowed us to make a strong contribution to the efforts of the ‘Relay for Life’ activities in our area.”
Dozens of homeowners, builders and remodelers came to the auction at the Simonton manufacturing facility in Ellenboro, W.Va., where they bid on new construction and replacement home windows at prices starting as low as $10 each. The high-quality vinyl windows and patio doors were available in a variety of sizes and styles.
“Each year we’re able to offer these new products that may have been returned to us unused by our customers or otherwise not used by the original purchaser,” says Meeks. “This is a great deal for the buyer at the auction and we’re thrilled that our yearly charity auction effort continues to be a major fundraising source for the American Cancer Society chapters in our area.”
As part of Fortune Brands Home & Security Inc., Simonton Windows is committed to supporting other national organizations that contribute to the quality of life in our communities, such as The Nature Conservancy. Simonton also supports Homes for Our Troops and Building for America’s Bravest with donations to projects that assist returning veterans.