NPD 2019 Honorees

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L to R Front Row:  Betty Jagnow (representing The Vindicator), Atty Carl Nunziato, Carolynn Mitchell, George Mitchell
L to R Back Row:  Mark Brown (representing the Vindicator), Doug Sweeney (representing Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC), Jack Kravitz, Tizzy Grischow (representing Hospice of the Valley Volunteers)
Missing From Picture:  Hannah & Brooklyn Beighley
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2019 Legacy Award

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John M. MacIntosh, Jr.

John M. MacIntosh, Jr., graduated from Poland Seminary High School and Youngstown State University. After serving a year in Vietnam as a US Army Intelligence Officer, he was posted in Washington, D.C. Returning home to Poland for a weekend, he was severely injured in an automobile accident. John lived for more than 50 years as a quadriplegic. His paralysis led him to become a champion for the respect and dignity of those with disabilities, working closely with state and local government officials to ensure access to buildings and facilities in the Mahoning Valley.

John had a great fondness for the Butler Institute of American Art, where he was past president of its Board of Trustees. He was a dedicated board member of Easter Seals, having served the organization for more than 40 years, and also served on the boards of the Mahoning County Red Cross, Community Foundation of Mahoning Valley, Poland Cemetery Association, the Youngstown Symphony, the Hine Memorial Fund, and the Youngstown Foundation. John was also instrumental in the establishment of the Youngstown State University Veterans Resource Center.

John earned numerous military awards and commendations, including the Joint Services Commendation Medal, and also received two awards from Easter Seals: the Anthony Vivo Community Service Award in 1999 and the first Frances Schwebel Solomon Spirit and Life Award in 2002. He was honored as the 2007 Distinguished Alumnus by the Poland Schools Foundation for Educational Excellence and was presented the Cincinnatus Award for community and military service by the Youngstown State Veterans Affairs Office.

                                                                                        2019 Valley Impact Award

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                                                                                       2019 Outstanding Philanthropist

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                                                                                         George A. & Carolynn Mitchell

George and Carolynn Mitchell, Poland residents are not new to philanthropy. Both have been very active in the community and are the true definition of giving of time, talent and treasure! 

With the help of the Mitchells, Angels for Animals was able to open Mahoning County’s first animal shelter to spay and neuter before adoption.  Lynn volunteered on the Board of Directors and hands on in the shelter. She volunteered in the cat wing since its inception. She recruited friends and neighbors for supplies and volunteering.

“Lynn & George have not only provided incredible financial support throughout the past 25 years, but they have literally been present thru all of it!” States nominator Diane Less.

In the early 1940s, George, the founder of the George A. Mitchell Company would hop on his bike after classes let out and pedal to the next bus stop and ride from Salem to his part-time job at Crescent Machine Co. in Leetonia.  He was just 14 when he started and was attending adult education courses in the evening. He states, “I didn’t have time to get a complete college education.” This was the start in a career that spans eight decades in manufacturing and one that would take the engineer all over the world!

At 91, Mitchell shows few signs of slowing down. In January, he stepped down as president of the company, making way for a new generation of leadership under President Paul Russo. He still goes in the office every day!

The George A. Mitchell Company is the industry leader in push pointing machines, an original equipment manufacturer and custom designer of hydraulic push pointers for tubular and bar products. This international company has customers in over 30 countries who produce basic cold drawn tubes and bars, automotive and specialty parts.

The Mitchells are very generous to many organizations and nonprofits in our community including Easter Seals, YWCA and Hospice of the Valley to name a few.

 

2019 Outstanding Corporate Philanthropist

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Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC

Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC, a corporation with four generations that have kept the name Sweeney in the forefront of the car industry in the valley for nearly 100 years. The company’s strategy is to differentiate themselves by emphasizing consistently high-quality service, a reliable vehicle and support along the way. President Doug Sweeney, Vice President Alexa Sweeney Blackann and the entire Sweeney team firmly believe in giving back to the community by giving of their time, talent and treasure in meaningful ways. For generations, the dealership and its employees have generously supported non-profit organizations that help address the most critical community needs – from health and poverty to youth services, education, arts and culture. Sweeney Chevrolet Buick GMC’s history of philanthropy is rooted in its core value of being a good corporate citizen and taking care of the community in which its family and employees proudly live and work.



2019 Outstanding Small Business Philanthropist

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Jack Kravitz of Kravitz Delicatessen & Inspired Catering

Kravitz Delicatessen & Inspired Catering was established in 1939 on the Northside of Youngstown, and is now run by the founder’s son, Jack Kravitz. Kravitz Deli is a true Youngstown landmark, surviving when many other businesses in the Valley have not. Owner Jack Kravitz continually strives to give back to the community and make a difference, and that was especially evident during the last year when the deli helped ease the negative impact of some of the region’s most recent economic challenges.

During the 2019 government shutdown, Kravitz Deli was one of the first to step up and support those in need by hosting a free dinner for the federal government employees. The deli also offered half-price deals for the employees of General Motors on their last day of work. Kravitz Deli & Inspired Catering has donated or discounted food and catering services to various fundraising events including those for the Mahoning Valley Historical Society, Grow Youngstown, Goodwill, OH WOW! Children's Center for Science & Technology, McDonough Museum, Empty Bowls at YSU, the Packard Museum, WYSU, Polish Youngstown, MillCreek Park and Junior Achievement of the Mahoning Valley.

Jack has been President of the Second Harvest Food Bank, President of Akiva Academy, President of Grown Youngstown and founder and first President of the Poland Village Business Association. Jack was recently recognized as a 5 year SCORE business mentor and has given the use of the Kravitz facility to SCORE for the Bagels to Business program.  

Kravitz Delicatessen has allowed the McGuffey Society to use its facility once a month on Saturday mornings for speakers highlighting the history of the Mahoning Valley.

Tom Welsh, author and Memorable Meals organizer, says of Jack Kravitz, “he has not only distinguished himself as a visionary and innovative entrepreneur, but he has also played a supportive role in a wide range of community projects and organizations. As a member of numerous boards, he has worked tirelessly toward the betterment of Youngstown-Warren area. Time and again, he has taken a leading role in organizing projects and events that celebrate the diversity-rich history of our community. The success of these programs has been a tribute to his creativity, as well as his confidence and high level of commitment. This metropolitan area would be noticeably poorer in the absence of his participation.”

 

Office and clerical volunteers help with paperwork and communications efforts. Vigil volunteers comfort patients who are in the final hours of life, and bereavement volunteers ensure families receive support and comfort after their loved one passes. Other volunteers visit with therapy dogs and play musical instruments for patients. 

The Hospice of the Valley volunteers host an annual pancake breakfast with an auction every year with money going to the volunteer department. They volunteer at special events such as the annual golf outing, gift wrapping booth, the Mardi Gras fundraiser and luncheons. Many volunteer their time at health fairs and community events like the Canfield Fair. Volunteer Coordinator Tizzy Grischow says, “These selfless, caring and all-giving volunteers are so willing to help with any project or fundraising event we have going on. Our volunteers are truly here to support Hospice of the Valley and it shows in their willingness to do whatever is asked of them.”



                                                                                 2019 Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser

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                                                                                         Attorney Carl A. Nunziato, Jr.

Attorney Carl A. Nunziato’s commitment and support of Veterans, healthcare, volunteerism and philanthropy has earned him a place of honor in the Mahoning Valley and beyond. A highly respected civic leader and decorated Vietnam War veteran who grew up in the Smoky Hollow area of Youngstown, he earned a bachelor's degree from Youngstown State University in English and education in 1961 through the ROTC program. Following graduation, he was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S Army. 

During his second tour of Vietnam in 1966, Nunziato, a commanding officer of 200 men, was severely injured when he was struck by mortar during an enemy attack on his artillery unit resulting in the amputation of both of his legs. His recovery brought him to the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. where he received treatment for nearly two years. In 1968, he was honorably discharged in 1968 with the rank of major. 

Nunziato continued his education at the Case Western Reserve University School of Law in Cleveland earning a law degree in 1971. He returned to Youngstown and worked for nearly 30 years at local financial institutions primarily in the Trust Departments. 

His substantial community involvement reflects his many passions which include serving on the boards of directors of Second Harvest Foodbank. Mill Creek Metro Parks, YSU Alumni Association. Easter Seals and Mercy Health Foundation of the Mahoning Valley bringing his perspective and advocacy as a handicapped individual. As a founding member of St. Elizabeth Hospital Foundation, which became the Mercy Health Foundation, he was an early and strong proponent for the establishment of the Joanie Abdu Comprehensive Breast Care Center for women in the Mahoning Valley and getting permanent handicapped parking spaces installed at the hospital. 

Nunziato was also a founding member of the Youngstown Chapter of the Barrier-Free Architecture Commission which made significant strides for the disabled and handicapped individuals of the area and a model for other towns and cities to follow.

As a volunteer fundraiser, Carl’s mission has been working relentlessly on behalf of veterans in the Mahoning Valley.  Along with Harry Meshel and Bernie Kosar Sr., he was among those who advocated and raised significant funds for the development of the Veterans Resource Center on the campus of YSU in 2014. The center serves the needs of veteran students and has the distinction of being the only freestanding university veteran buildings in nation.

In 2018. Youngstown State University honored Attorney Nunziato by renaming the Veterans Resource Center to the Carl A. Nunziato Veterans Resource Center. During the renaming dedication, a $1 million gift was given by an anonymous donor in his name. Nunziato noted that the honor was “near and dear “to him and that he was gratified that his name would be forever associated with veteran and YSU.



                                                                          2019 Outstanding Volunteer Fundraising Group

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                                                                                        Hospice of the Valley Volunteers

Hospice of the Valley Volunteers share their time, talent and material resources with Hospice of the Valley in many ways. Companion volunteers visit with patients and families in nursing homes, assisted living facilities and their homes. They offer caregiver relief and get to know the patients and their families. Hospice House volunteers support and interact with patients and their families on site at Hospice House. 

Office and clerical volunteers help with paperwork and communications efforts. Vigil volunteers comfort patients who are in the final hours of life, and bereavement volunteers ensure families receive support and comfort after their loved one passes. Other volunteers visit with therapy dogs and play musical instruments for patients.

The Hospice of the Valley volunteers host an annual pancake breakfast with an auction every year with money going to the volunteer department. They volunteer at special events such as the annual golf outing, gift wrapping booth, the Mardi Gras fundraiser and luncheons. Many volunteer their time at health fairs and community events like the Canfield Fair. Volunteer Coordinator Tizzy Grischow says, “These selfless, caring and all-giving volunteers are so willing to help with any project or fundraising event we have going on. Our volunteers are truly here to support Hospice of the Valley and it shows in their willingness to do whatever is asked of them.”



                                                                                  2019 Outstanding Young Philanthropists

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                                                                                          Hannah & Brooklyn Beighley

Hannah (age 15) and Brooklyn Beighley (age 12), have successfully created a strong partnership with the nationally known foundation, Alex’s Lemonade Stand.  Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation strives to “change the lives of children with cancer, raising awareness, supporting families and empowering everyone to help cure childhood cancer.”

Each June, Hannah and Brooklyn sell lemonade, from a stand built by their father, Brian, to raise funds for those affected by childhood cancer.  In just eight short years, since 2011, these two young girls have raised over $35,468 and have proven how important it is to become involved and support this charitable cause to fight childhood cancer.  Their tenacity and excitement to raise money is not only impressive, but impactful in so many ways as they have used this opportunity to recruit others to join in their mission and impact their community as a whole.  In addition, the girls reach out to local businesses, write letters, make requests, and receive gift cards and other resources that help buy what they need to run the stand.

The cause is especially important to Hannah and Brooklyn, as their mother, Megan, is a survivor of childhood leukemia.  As daughters of a childhood cancer survivor, they are forever motivated to find a cure. According to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, the money they have raised has helped fund more than 709 hours of research in childhood cancer.