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Fact
Over one in every eight, or 12.9%, of the population is an older American (age 65+).
- www.aoa.gov
Quote
"When planning for a year, plant corn. When planning for a decade, plant trees. When planning for life, train and educate people."
- Chinese Proverb
Inside
Waller Financial recently honored the valued relationships held with clients and partners at the 2011 Odysseus Recognition Event. The annual ceremony commemorates clients who have dedicated themselves toward a lifetime of giving back to the community. This year's event featured a presentation to award winners Al and Pat Doerman. The Doermans were selected for their unique and unselfish contributions to the greater good and their strong commitment to help people rise out of poverty to make meaningful lives for themselves.
The Doermans' passion for education started early. Pat was inspired by her grandfather, a teacher in a one-room schoolhouse, and others. She diligently pursued a career in education, eventually earning a Ph.D. from The Ohio State University in 1981. Pat considers herself a lifelong teacher, sharing her education, experiences, and aspirations with others. Al had an entrepreneurial vision that eventually led him and Pat to purchase the A.D. Farrow Harley Davidson dealership in Columbus. At the time, the Harley Davidson Company was at risk for bankruptcy, but Al and Pat's vision helped resurrect the company and start its resurgence. They opened a second thriving dealership in Central Ohio, Centennial Park. The two dealerships provided the engine for their ongoing philanthropy.
The causes, people, and institutions that the Doermans support reflect the inspiring values they hold. They believe in making social investments in people, and strive to make life better by supporting education, conservation, and research, both locally and globally.
Their belief in life-long learning has led them to invest in programs that promote efforts on practical and spiritual levels. This includes support for the College of Mt. St. Joseph, the University of Cincinnati, and The Ohio State University. They also support a mission in Haiti that has educated over 600 orphaned children in academics, vocational studies, and holistic farming. Their sponsored "daughter" in Guatemala has been able to enjoy a better and healthier childhood. They have invested in their own communities of Franklinton and Appalachia. The Doermans are aware of the importance that unique ecosystems play in enriching our planet, which has inspired them to support conservation of the natural and cultural heritage of a small island near their home in Florida.
Even in adversity, Al and Pat are generous and selfless. Al is living with a form of adult muscular dystrophy. While the disease is difficult, Al engages socially and is eager to share, focusing not on himself, but on encouraging his wife Pat, the orphans in Haiti, children in Appalachia, and the important research of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The journey of Al and Pat's life is full of examples of how philanthropy can be a part of everyone's daily life. Their lifestyle is a reflection of actively promoting others with encouragement and generosity.
A donation of $1,000 was made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association from the Waller Financial Donor Advised Fund with the Columbus Foundation.