Ron Greenbaum, The Basement Doctor, honored as a LifeTown Legend at this year's luncheon

On Wednesday May 30, LifeTown held its annual Legends Luncheon at the Renaissance Hotel with keynote speaker Hollywood Producer Gordan Gray. This year's luncheon also honored our own Ron Greenbaum, and Michael Schiff as LifeTown legends.

“Having two adults with special needs in my family, I know first-hand how important the exposure to everyday life skills is,” Greenbaum says. “LifeTown is about empowering students to become self-advocates and productive members of our community. It is an organization I am proud to support, and I am humbled to be honored at this year’s event.”

Funds raised at this year's luncheon are donated to the LifeTown Scholarship fund and make it possible to give 3,506 children the LifeTown experience. LifeTown is the only facility of its kind in Ohio and one of only two in the United States. That’s why students come from all over the state to take advantage of the program. It gives thousands of kids, who are too often marginalized and forgotten, the tools to live and work successfully as valued members of society. 

Something new to LifeTown that was highlighted during the luncheon is its "Stop to Live" initiative. The Stop to Live program is the first prescription drug misuse and abuse program in the Nation designed for students with varying abilities. It was born out of the devastation and suffering caused by the opioid epidemic and the recognition that people with special needs are 2-4 times more at risk but are often overlooked when it comes to prevention strategies. 

If you would like to learn more about this important initiative, we encourage you to visit stoptolive.org. You can also learn more about the important work being done at LifeTown everyday at lifetowncolumbus.org. 

Freezin' for a Reason! The Basement Doctor presents the 16th Annual Polar Plunge at Express Live

The Basement Doctor was proud to be the presenting sponsor of the 16^th annual Polar Plunge on February 3^rd at its new location, Express Live!  All proceeds from the plunge went directly to support 26,000 Special Olympics Ohio athletes.  This fun event included a costume contest and an after-party hosted by DJ MDizzle.

Special Olympics has made it their mission to ensure that no athletes or their families are financially responsible for participating. Similar to last year, all plungers were required to raise a minimum of $75 ($50 for students) in pledges. This year, plungers had the option to register as ‘Too Chicken To Plunge’ and were required to raise a minimum of $30. The event was a success raising over $108,000 total!

As well as our sponsorship, Team Basement Doctor had 29 participating plungers and raised over $1,500! Many employees made donations and were present for the event to show their support.

“It was great to see so much community support for this wonderful organization. I am proud to be a part of the Polar Plunge year after year," said Ryan Bolin, Sales Manager for The Basement Doctor. "Looking forward to seeing many new faces in 2019!”

Team Basement Doctor doubled in size this year and we hope to grow even more next year! For more information about Special Olympics Ohio, please visit their site here.  

To see all of the great pictures and videos from the event, please visit our Facebook page.

The Basement Doctor helps Canine Companions for Independence in their move to a brand new facility!

Ron Greenbaum presenting CCI’s Megan Koester with 

check for a donation from The Basement Doctor.

Another organization dear to our hearts, Canine Companions for Independence is a foundation that provides people with disabilities with highly trained service dogs to assist them in every day tasks. These service dogs can act as the ears, hands, legs, and emotional support of their owners leading to increased confidence and independence.  Every dog must master 40 commands before graduating from their training and being assigned to a client. 

According to Joe Parrish, president of CCI’s North Central Regional board, the North Central Region provides trained dogs for people in 14 states.

After attending a summer service dog graduation, Ron was inspired to provide a donation to support their new location’s board room. The center, now located in Delaware, is preparing for their upcoming move to New Albany on 16 acres near New Albany-Condit Road. The timeline for the build will depend on a capital fundraising campaign.

According to the North Central Region executive director, Megan Koester, the new facility will have a kennel indoor for dogs in training as well as an administrative building along with a training center including a dormitory for clients in training for their dogs. She stated that the company offers clients the dogs at no charge using donations. The dormitories at the facility would save veterans, adults, and children from paying for hotels and meals during their two-week training period. 

“That’s the big bonus of having the dorms”, Koester added.

She has stated that there is no set timeline for the construction of the new facility since it will be determined by the completion of the capital fundraising campaign.

Giving back in a big way to the children at LifeTown

Our Executive Vice President, Betsy Bankhurst presenting Lifetown’s
Chief Operating Officer, Shaunacy Webster with a donation from
The Basement Doctor.

Giving back has always been a major component of the Basement Doctor brand. As a company, we make it a priority to support important causes and organizations like LifeTown that make a difference in our community.

LifeTown is a simulated town where children with disabilities can learn and implement crucial life skills through role play.  The facility uses simulated banks, movie theatres, hair salons, libraries, etc., to teach these children to thrive in every day society. The Basement Doctor is a proud partner of this great cause.

Ron Greenbaum was so moved by the LifeTown Legends Luncheon held in May that this spring we were happy to put a campaign into place which donated a portion from every purchase made from May 1 to July 31, 2017.

Night of Chocolate 2017! Celebrating chocolate and raising money for those affected by cancer

On Friday, September 22, several members of The Basement Doctor team volunteered at and attended Night of Chocolate, the largest fundraiser of the year for Cancer Support Community Central Ohio (CSC). Each year this event attracts more than 1000 attendees, and celebrates all things chocolate! All proceeds from Night of Chocolate help provide support and educational programs to central Ohio families whose lives have been affected by a cancer diagnosis. 

This year's old Hollywood-themed celebration was once again held at Hollywood Casino Columbus, and included a red carpet entrance, silent and live auction, and raffle prizes. Guest were able to sip on signature cocktails and taste amazing chocolate treats crafted by premier chocolatiers. Guests also received a bag at the end filled with extra goodies and swag from the event's many sponsors.

Betsy Bankhurst and Nick Menedis with his award

We were thankful to be the Volunteer Sponsor once again this year. As the Volunteer Sponsor, we had the wonderful opportunity to present the Volunteer of the Year Award to Nick Menedis. We want to congratulate Nick for being the recipient of this selfless award and donating so much of his time to this important cause. 

Thank you to all of the wonderful people at CSC for putting this event together and thank you to members of our Basement Doctor Family that volunteered their time to help make this event special. We can't wait to participate again next year! 

To learn more about CSC, please visit their web site at cancersupportohio.org

Our volunteers on the red carpet: Sarah Morris, Ingrid Elliot, Alex Herrera, and 

Jesse Senters 

Sarah Shepler, Melissa France, Sheri Stiers and Sarah Bailey enjoying the event!

Volunteer Sponsor 2017

Columbus Business First 2017 C-Suite Awards honors Ron Greenbaum, The Basement Doctor

The C-Suite Awards by Columbus Business First recognizes Central Ohio's top executives. They are honored for their contributions and commitment to our local community as well as their professional performance and career accomplishments.

Our own Ron Greenbaum, The Basement Doctor, was selected to receive recognition at the C-Suite Awards gala on September 7, at the Hyatt Regency. He was one of just 19 honorees narrowed down by a panel of business school professors.

“I want everyone to know that this award is the result of an amazing TEAM effort and wouldn’t have happened without everyone’s commitment to excellence, " Ron said about accepting the award.

Ron understood back in 1999 that to grow a profitable company and maintain the highest market share in your industry, you have to build a trusted brand. Ron's commitment to a consistent branding initiative has remained steadfast since the day he was on a road trip and saw a billboard for The House Doctor. He said then, "That's what we do; we fix basements just like a doctor." He immediately trademarked ''The Basement Doctor'' nationally. From that point on, Ron's branding initiative became the heartbeat of our company's success and culture.

As a business leader, Ron believes it is important to set an example of giving back to our community and our local charities. "At the end of the day, a business structure can exist, but it's the customers and the community that make a business successful," he said.

Ron sets this example by supporting dozens of charities and local organizations each year, not just donating funds, but also providing marketing support and raising awareness. Our employees have a long tradition of volunteering and are very much encouraged to get involved in our community.

Ron attended the awards gala with his wife Terri and several members of The Basement Doctor team. It was a very special night for our company, and we couldn't be more proud of our leader! See more pictures from the gala and to see how The Basement Doctor supports Central Ohio, be sure to check out our Facebook page.

Pelotonia 2017: The Basement Doctor joins Power of the Pedal: Team Solove in the fight against cancer

The Basement Doctor had the honor of once again participating in this year’s Pelotonia, a grassroots bike tour with one goal: end cancer. While the bike tour takes place over a single weekend, fundraising efforts take place year-round, and we were proud to be a part of several events leading up to the big ride the weekend of August 4 - 6.

On August 2, The Basement Doctor served as the presenting sponsor for the 9^th Annual Power of the Pedal: Team Solove Gala at Bon vie Bistro at Easton TownCenter. The gala takes place ahead of the opening ceremony to assist their team of riders in raising even more money for this cause. To help spread the word about the gala, our Basement Doctor team walked with Power of the Pedal: Team Solove riders in the Bexley 4th of July parade and handed out flyers with event information. We also created several marketing pieces, including save the dates, email blasts and a social media countdown.

The event successfully raised thousands of dollars that will go directly to cancer research at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Institute. The total raised was added to the amounts raised by the individual riders. 

The Basement Doctor team with Pelotonia riders at the July Fourth parade.

Ron Greenbaum speaking about his commitment to this important cause at the Gala.

Those who attended enjoyed inspirational speakers, live entertainment by DJ MDizzle, food and drinks, and both a live and silent auction filled with fantastic prize packages. Each year, Power of the Pedal remembers someone who has lost their life to cancer, and this year they honored Carol Fox. Fox was the first female president of Columbia Gas of Pennsylvania and Maryland, who died in 2014 from endometrial cancer. During her 31- year career with Columbia Gas, Carol had profound influence and devotion to her company and community.

Basement Doctor IT Manager Adam Bankhurst with HR Manager Sarah Bailey and husband Brandon, enjoying the evening's festivities.

Power of the Pedal had 24 members participate in fundraising this year, including Maria Durant of ABC 6/Fox 28, and Kelley Douglas, owner of Stile Salon at Easton. Most of the riders biked an incredible 100 miles from Columbus to Gambier. 

The team had the opportunity to appear on Good Day Columbus before the Gala.

Two of our own Basement Doctor team members, Betsy and Adam Bankhurst, took part as riders and had an amazing experience. This was the second year for Betsy, but this was Adam's first time participating. 

"Betsy and I were so honored and proud to be a part of Pelotonia and Power of the Pedal: Team Solove. Saturday was one of the greatest and most fulfilling days of my life, and while it was challenging, I was so inspired and moved by the thousands of people who came together for one goal. I will never forget this experience, and I can’t wait to ride again and continue my fight until this horrible disease is gone, once and for all," he said.

Betsy and Adam Bankhurst representing The Basement Doctor at this year's ride.

The fundraising efforts of the team have resulted in more than $100,000 in donations. Riders can continue to get funds up to October 6. To learn more about this amazing cause, visit pelotonia.org and visit our Facebook page for more pictures from the Gala and ride.

The team celebrating after the ride!