Blind & Sons Proudly Supports the Community of Summit County
As a locally-operated business, we recognize the importance of a caring and united community. Ever since John W. Blind opened his doors in 1937 to offer coal furnaces and gas conversion burners to his neighbors, Blind & Sons has been an active member of the community of Summit County. We are grateful for the support we’ve received from the local community over the past 80+ years, and we want to repay that trust by participating in initiatives that uplift and strengthen it.
Our Community Partners
Blind & Sons is proud to partner with the following organizations to give back to our community:
- Habitat for Humanity
- Akron RubberDucks
- Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates (JOGs)
- Humane Society of Summit County
- 1590 WAKR
- The Suburban League
- The Northeast Ohio Foundation for Patriotism (NEOPAT)
- Salvation Army
- Akron Rotary Club
- Norton, Barberton & Green High School
- Barberton Parks & Rec
Alongside our community partners, we’ve had the opportunity to participate in some exciting and impactful efforts in Summit County in 2024:
Akron Rotary Club
Blind & Sons was excited to be part of the 34th Annual Akron Rotary Chili Open Golf Classic on February 4, 2024. This one-of-a-kind winter golf tournament combined the fun of golf with the warmth of delicious chili, all for a great cause. Hosted at the Mud Run Golf Course, the event brought together community members for a day of friendly competition, laughter, and philanthropy. As proud sponsors, we were thrilled to support the Akron Rotary’s efforts to raise funds for local charities. The Chili Open is not just a fun event — it’s an opportunity to positively impact our community, and we’re honored to have been a part of it.
Norton High School – Norton Panther Run
In May, Blind & Sons proudly sponsored the Norton Panther Run, an event that brought together our local schools and community in a spirit of camaraderie and support. It was a day filled with energy, teamwork, and dedication as runners of all ages participated, raising funds for a worthy cause that directly impacts the lives of students and families. We are thrilled to have been part of such a meaningful event and are honored to continue championing the communities we serve. Events like these remind us of the power of community and the importance of supporting each other.
Green High School – Air Force Raider Run
Blind & Sons was proud to sponsor the Air Force Raider Run, a challenging 3k terrain race held on June 1, 2024. Hosted by the Green High School AFROTC Booster Club, this fast-paced, team-oriented event pushed participants to their limits. All ages and abilities were welcome, with accommodations made for those unable to complete certain obstacles. The event also featured a Veterans Honor Walk through Bottler Park, paying tribute to the brave men and women who have served our country. Through our sponsorship, we supported the Green High School AFJROTC, a program dedicated to developing young citizens of character committed to serving their communities, nation, and school. We were honored to be part of this impactful event and to help support the students as they work toward success on a national and state level in various competitions.
Barberton Parks & Rec
Partnering with Barberton Parks & Recreation to host summer concerts was a perfect harmony for Blind & Sons. Together, we share a commitment to enriching the lives of those we serve, and these concerts allowed us to do just that — bringing music, joy, and connection to our community. It was a wonderful way to give back to the people who have supported us throughout the years, and we’re thrilled with the memories created during these special events.
Humane Society of Summit County – 24th Annual Pawsibility Ball
On August 24, we had the incredible honor of attending the 24th Annual Pawsibility Ball, hosted by the Humane Society of Summit County. This event is a cherished tradition in our community, celebrating the unwavering dedication and compassion of those working tirelessly to protect and care for animals in need. At Blind & Sons, we have always believed in giving back to the community that has supported us for many years. The Humane Society’s mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals resonates deeply with our values, and it was a privilege to stand alongside other supporters at this year’s event.
Akron RubberDucks
Blind & Sons has a long-time community partnership with the cherished Minor League Baseball team in Akron. We continue our partnership with them through community support programs, including the Military Appreciation and The Showers Family Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders Celebration — Akron Children’s Hospital Night. We look forward to seeing you at the ballpark!
Barberton High School – Sponsor Night
We were thrilled to be part of Sponsor Night, a time for local businesses to come together to support the Barberton Magics and their fans. The energy in the stadium was electric, with fans filling the stands and cheering for their team. As proud sponsors, we set up shop and were ready to participate in the festivities. But the real excitement kicked off when our beloved mascot, Homer, joined the crowd. Homer was a huge hit throughout the night! From the moment he stepped into the stadium, he was greeted by enthusiastic fans, especially the little ones. Homer interacted with kids and families, posing for photos, handing out high-fives, and spreading his infectious energy and enthusiasm. Seeing the smiles and hearing the laughter from the Barberton community made us even more proud to be part of such a special event.
Salvation Army – Angel Tree Program
During the holiday season, the team at Blind & Sons was honored to support the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree Program. Our employees have embraced the spirit of giving by purchasing gifts for children and families in need, helping to make their holidays a little brighter. We are proud to give back to the community that means so much to us and to spread joy during this special time of year. Together, we’re making a difference — one gift at a time.
NEOPAT – Giving Back to Four Veteran Families
Blind & Sons is honored to partner with NEOPAT to support four incredible military families. Through NEOPAT’s program, our team has adopted these families, coming together to purchase gifts and essentials to help make their holidays truly special. It’s our way of giving back to those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom and showing our appreciation for their service. Supporting these families and spreading holiday cheer is a cause close to our hearts, and we’re grateful to make a difference in their lives.
Learn more about ways that the Blind & Sons team has been involved with the community in the past:
2020-2021 Partnership with The Northeast Ohio Foundation for Patriotism (NEOPAT)
The Blind & Sons and NEOPAT Community Outreach is a targeted approach to serving veterans. Together, we provide comprehensive supportive services, education, and informative events to veterans and their families throughout the 2020-21 award year. Through this Series and with the support of Blind & Sons and its employees, the events provide new opportunities for our region’s veterans to pave the way for the vital transition from combat to classroom to workforce.
2020 “Stuff the Bus” School Supply Drive for the Barberton City School District
In August 2020, Blind & Sons partnered with Barberton City councilman and owner of Rocky’s Drive-Thru and Gas Station, Shaun Rocky Jaber, for the third annual Stuff the Bus Event to collect school supplies for City of Barberton Schools. Shaun donated his $700 stipend for serving on the city council to purchase school supplies for the initiative. Blind & Sons matched Shaun’s contribution to purchase more school supplies. We also offered free furnace tune-ups to Barberton City teachers in our service area. “With all that’s happening in the world today, efforts like these become even more important in communities like Barberton, and it is for this reason that Blind & Sons considers it a responsibility to the community and will be matching the donation made by Shaun for this worthwhile effort,” stated Dan Ody, general manager at Blind & Sons. This was a great opportunity for Blind & Sons to partner with a local business and be able to give back to the community.
Mac Kid Medina Halloween 2020
Halloween looked a little different in 2020, but that didn’t mean we couldn’t have fun — it just meant that, like with so many other things these days, we needed to be a little creative! Blind & Sons participated in Macaroni Kid Medina’s initiative to distribute 150 “Boo Baskets” throughout Medina County to surprise and delight local families. Mac Kid Media stuffed the baskets to the brim with toys, trinkets, candy, and more and then headed out, hoping to bring smiles to some little faces.
Habitat for Humanity of Summit County
Blind & Sons partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Summit County in 2019 to help build a new home for the Archibald family in Barberton. The Archibalds were a local family from the Akron area who had just received full custody of their five grandchildren. Blind & Sons provided HVAC, electrical, and plumbing throughout the entire home. “It just feels good to be able to help,” said co-owner John Hartman. “We want our communities to know that we care and have the skills that can benefit those who need it most. The kids are an important aspect of this. They deserve the help.” Co-owner Joe Bilotta added, “We are thankful to be helping a family in need within our community. This is what makes us who we are and why customers have called us since the ’30s. Our involvement with this project specifically concerns the families’ situation. It’s aligned with our Company Vision Statement: To be recognized as an organization that matters by making a difference in people’s lives.”
Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates (JOGS) 2019
JOGS (Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates) develops a summer program each year to allow area high school students to work and earn a wage in Summit County’s local businesses. In the summer of 2019, Blind & Sons got five Barberton High School students to work with the warehouse team, help with scrap, and perform general warehouse duties. The students worked in the warehouse for 15 hours a week and attended five hours of “soft skills” classes with JOGS to learn about different workplaces and the skills each career could use. The program aims to give high school students experience and skills while increasing their knowledge of careers to help them set a path for their future, whether it be going into the workforce, college, or trade school. We enjoyed hosting our student workers and were pleased to help them learn and grow!
Suburban League
At Blind & Sons, we know the importance of family and value the youth in our communities. We know that after-school activities are important for our youth’s growth, and for several years, Blind & Sons has been a committed partner with the Suburban League. We enjoy sponsoring events by partnering with Suburban League schools to help fund their teams and keep after-school activities thriving.
Earth Day 2019
For years, Blind & Sons has partnered with local radio station 1590 WAKR to celebrate Earth Day at the Akron Zoo. At this event, we educate visitors about eco-friendly equipment in our business and high-efficiency units. WAKR does live radio interviews during the day, and multiple businesses come together to educate our community. We also use the opportunity to celebrate our veterans and give back to those in our community. The Akron Zoo had free admission to all past and present military veterans. Blind & Sons set up our table at the front entrance to welcome veterans and their families. There were raffles, giveaways, and fun prizes for kids to take home. We know the importance of partnering with local businesses and helping our community, and we are always looking for fun and creative ways to do so.
Together, We Can Make a Difference
Blind & Sons is proud to be involved in the community that has been our home since 1937. We invite our customers to join us in supporting these organizations in their efforts to positively impact our community. If you have a community program that you think we might be a good fit for, please reach out and tell us about it. We look forward to serving the community of Summit County for decades more as we grow and thrive together!
