Charity of Choice
June 19, 2008 
More than just a place for doing business, OFA Short Course is always a place to find fund-raising events to benefit charity. This year, the America In Bloom neighborhood beautification program was a big benefactor, raising approximately $50,000, and having a blast in the process.
Ten teams of runners laced up for the 7th annual Dramm/OFA 5K Relay/Walk held bright and early July 8. The competition was fierce and in the end, Team Svensson Americas took first place. Wojo’s Hanging Basketcases (Flowering Pot Heads) came in second place and the Grower Talks team placed third. Funds raised from runner and walker registration fees, sponsorships and in-kind donations totaled more than $6,400.
More sports fun was had at D.S. Cole Hockey In Columbus at Nationwide Arena. The game this year was the blue team versus the white team and the blue team won by a score of 8-5. In a “Chuck a Puck” contest between periods, the winner was Mike Poretsky of the A-ROO Company. His puck was closest to the center circle and he won $650. With the support of many generous sponsors, the event raised $13,000 for America In Bloom.
America In Bloom also held its $5,000 raffle during Greenhouse Grower’s Medal Of Excellence awards. Bill Ruppert of National Nursery Products in Kirkwood, Mo., took the top prize.
Another fundraiser that helped out America In Bloom was the John Deere Buck Giveaway, sponsored by the Blackmore Company, Fafard and Greenhouse Grower. Brian Bartsch of Bartsch Greenhouses in Pittsburgh won the Buck.
Thanks to all those who donated.
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