Zippo Donates $1 Million for New Facility
When Ashley Booth Griffin died in a tragic car accident nearly four years ago, out of the grief, shock, and utter devastation that followed came the hope that she would not be forgotten. Her parents, Greg and Cherie Booth, wanted to keep her memory alive for her two young daughters and all whose lives she had touched.
George Duke, owner and chairman of Zippo Manufacturing Company, has secured that dream with a $1 million donation to CARE for Children to establish the Ashley Booth Griffin CARE for Children Center.
“The generosity of Zippo, George Duke and the Blaisdell family is astounding. This donation is not just an investment in CARE for Children’s building project, but will ensure that CARE can continue to positively impact and change local children’s lives,” said Mick Marshall, president CARE for Children board of directors.
Since 1924 - first as the McKean County Society for Crippled Children, later as McKean County Easter Seals Society, and now as CARE for Children - the organization has expanded its core services of pediatric physical therapy and free orthopedic clinics to include pediatric occupational therapy; Early Intervention Birth to Three Services; a developmental, inclusive preschool program; a toddler playgroup; family support and therapeutic recreation for children with disabilities; a disability awareness education program; a pediatric equipment loan closet; therapeutic listening; and child safety and injury prevention initiatives through its leadership of Safe Kids McKean County.
“Due to the unprecedented growth, both in the number of employees, services and programs offered and delivered, and revenues generated, the board of directors and key staff set forth a strategic five year plan in 2006 to buy and renovate a property or construct a new facility,” said Joe Yaros, Building Committee Chair.
A presentation by CARE representatives, during which hard questions were asked and well-thought-out answers returned, convinced Mr. Duke of the need for a new facility.
“CARE for Children is a high-visibility organization that provides much-needed services for children all over McKean County,” Duke explained. “Their current building, the old Case Cutlery factory on Russell Boulevard, is outdated and outgrown. This modern, professional new facility will add credibility to the works of the organization, bring focus to the organization, and help it remain self-sustaining over long term.”
Duke couldn’t stop thinking about the donation he had decided to make on Zippo’s behalf. “It was like divine inspiration. I decided to double the donation and give it in Ashley’s memory. This would be the perfect opportunity to memorialize Ashley – she loved children and worked with them through the YMCA daycare. I can’t think of a better name and connection for the new facility.”
“We thank Zippo for taking the lead, and recognizing how this project will make CARE a stronger organization and our community better by ensuring children have access to services,” said Tina Martin, executive director. “We are proud that the building will carry Ashley Booth Griffin’s name. Many of us at CARE had a personal connection with Ashley; and the facility will ensure that her memory lives on in a way that honors her and her family. I can think of no greater or more meaningful gift.”
Greg Booth is “floored, thrilled, blessed beyond comprehension that something like this would come out of the tragedy of losing my beautiful Ashley.” He and Cherie take great comfort in knowing that Ashley’s daughters Jaden, 8, and Tayga, 4, will proudly remember their “mommy” through the facility that bears her name and serves children such as themselves.
"Cherie and I - and Ashley's entire family - are touched beyond belief to have George Duke honor the memory of our beloved Ashley with his incredibly generous gift for the CARE for Children Center here in Bradford. Ashley loved children and enjoyed working with them at her grandparent's skating rink, her Foursquare Church and of course the YMCA. Ashley had also taken a missions trip to help the children of Ecuador in 2004.
“What a beautiful memorial for her two daughters, Jaden and Tayga Griffin, to see the wonderful work being done at the CARE for Children Center with their mommy's name on it.
“We will forever cherish and be eternally grateful to George Duke for what he has done not only for our family but for all the precious children who visit the Ashley Booth Griffin CARE for Children Center. From the bottom of our hearts . . . God bless you, George Duke!"
Pictured, (top) from left, Joseph Yaros, CARE Building Committee Chair: Greg Booth, President and CEO of Zippo Manufacturing; his wife Cherie Booth; Tina Martin, Executive Director at CARE; Mick Marshall, President of the Board, CARE for Children; Zippo Owner and Chairman of the Board, George B. Duke, announces the company’s gift of $1,000,000 to the CARE for Children Building Campaign in memory of Ashley Booth Griffin, daughter of Zippo President Greg Booth and his wife Cherie. Ashley tragically passed away in a car accident leaving a husband and two small daughters. Mock ups of the proposed facility are pictured behind Mr. Duke. Mr. and Mrs. Booth are also pictured.
CARE for Chlldren photos
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