COLUMBUS, OH – On June 21, The Champion Companies received the 2017 Corporate Caring Award from Columbus Business First in the Human Services Category.

Champion was recognized for the tremendous work its charitable arm, The Champion Cares Foundation, did in 2016 to help provide basic human services for those in need.

“Giving back to the community has become ingrained into our company culture,” said Michelle Yeager-Thornton, Champion’s co-founder and chief operating officer. “We believe it is our civic responsibility to help those in need.”

A record year for the Corporate Caring Awards, 54 companies were named finalists in categories that included Human Services, Arts, Environment, Health and Education. Champion was one of just 15 honorees who were announced during the award ceremony at The Grand Event Center in Grandview.

Champion’s team members volunteered more than 750 hours in 2016, and raised more than $260,000 for the Champion Cares Foundation’s partner charities, The Children’s Hunger Alliance, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio and the YWCA Family Center.

Champion also empowers its apartment residents to donate $1 per month to the Foundation, through its Round Up Your Rent Program. The company then matches each resident’s $1 donation.

“The need is real, right here in our own backyard,” Yeager-Thornton said. “So we will continue to push the Champion Cares Foundation to new heights, because we can truly make a difference in the lives of others.”

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About The Champion Companies

Founded in 2010, Champion is a full-service, multi-family investment and management firm. Champion currently owns and manages nearly 5,000 apartments within Central Ohio, with 13 communities in the growing cities Columbus (Easton), Delaware, Dublin, Hilliard, Lewis Center (Polaris), Sunbury, Westerville and Worthington. Champion has been named a Columbus Business First Fast 50 company for five consecutive years. Champion has also been recognized for its philanthropic efforts, receiving a Columbus Business First Corporate Caring Award in 2015 and a Medical Mutual Pillar Award for Community Service in 2017.