Last year, three members of Garland’s work family were diagnosed with cancer. But they were ready to fight and so was The Garland Company. Employees vowed to make a difference in the name of their colleagues and launched a nationwide fundraiser for Ohio Cancer Research (OCR). 

At OCR’s Star Award Gala last week, Garland presented an incredible donation of $80,573 to benefit the cancer research and awareness efforts of OCR.

“This donation represents so much more than a monetary gift. This is a testament to the way we support one another, especially in times where community is most important. I’m so amazed by how strong and united our team is,” said Dave Sokol, president of The Garland Company.

Employees at The Garland Company, a local employee-owned manufacturer of high-performance solutions for the commercial building envelope, held a variety of fundraisers to benefit the cause. Garland dedicated their annual summer Spirit Week fundraiser to OCR, raising funds from employees across the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Inspired by the generosity of the employees, Garland’s Board of Directors announced that the company would match the amount raised, pushing the total donation to OCR over $80,000.

OCR serves a vital role in the fight against cancer as they provide the “seed” money needed by young researchers pursuing new and innovative ideas in cancer research who can then compete and secure much larger funding on the national level. Nearly 70 percent of the 160 new ideas funded by OCR have resulted in success and continued funding from other sources.