For the CBJ Foundation, pairing with YWCA Columbus was a no-brainer considering safe and active play for Central Ohio children is one of the pillars of their work.
“The Foundation is thrilled to be able to partner with such a wonderful organization like the YWCA Columbus,” said Andee Cochren, executive director of the foundation and senior director of fan development and community programs. “Looking around you, you see this beautiful, reimagined Blue Jackets hockey-themed play space for the kids, and seeing them run around with smiles on their faces is truly rewarding.”
In addition to the grant from the Blue Jackets Foundation, multiple local partners helped make the project possible, including Nationwide Insurance. It was actually Cindy Walker, the wife of Nationwide CEO Kirt Walker, who suggested the YWCA Family Center could use a major playground upgrade, setting in motion a project that will make an impact on hundreds of lives.
“What an incredible thing,” Kirt Walker said. “It’s all about the kids, and that’s always been true from Nationwide’s standpoint. We’re mission-driven – we’re about protecting people, businesses and futures with extraordinary care. There’s nothing more important in that group than families and children.
“You look at everyone here, they have a story. Everyone has a situation. This is not a handout, it’s a hand up. Some people are having a hard moment in their life, and I’m proud to be associated with helping these people get back on the right track.”
It’s what Walker calls “the Columbus way,” everyone coming together to make great things come to life.
“Everyone pitched in in the community to make this happen,” Brown said. “So many people put their hand in and said we want to help.”
