Difference Makers Gala goes virtual

Attendees raised a virtual glass to the Leadership Lorain County 2021 Difference Makers on Friday evening. Leadership Lorain County celebrated the activism and dedication of Rey Carrion, Dr. John Schaeffer, Marsalis Hammons, Barb Piscopo and the Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio during its first virtual gala. Kendal at Oberlin Director of Facility Services and Lorain Councilman Rey Carrion, D-6th Ward, received the Excellence in Leadership award. Born in Puerto Rico, he considers both the island territory and Lorain his home and learned a life of service from his father, Felix. From pushing for improvements to Oakwood Park, to increasing business ventures on the city's south side, he noted the work he does in his community comes from his heart and is thanks to the support of his friends and family. "There are people that carry a similar conviction. … So to all the folks in South Lorain, our best is yet to come," he said. Schaeffer, founder of North Ohio Heart Center, also was honored with the Excellence in Leadership Award — 17 years after his wife, Suzanne, earned the same distinction. Coming from a long line of dentists, Schaeffer's goal was to establish a cardiologist team in the area. At the peak of his career, he had more than 300 employees at North Ohio Heart Center. Schaeffer's family also has owned Beaver Park Marina in Lorain for the past 100 years, lending to Schaeffer's love of boating. "When all is said and done, it's what you've done and this award summarizes ultimately that situation where I, as a difference maker, make a difference in the leadership skills of this community," he said. "Thank you, thank you, thank you." Second Harvest Food Bank earned an Excellence in Leadership Award for the organization's work in addressing hunger in Lorain, Erie, Huron and Crawford counties for the past 39 years. President and CEO Julie Chase-Morefield noted the nonprofit's role in providing food to children, families and the elderly is incredibly important. 2020 saw food insecurity spike amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Handwritten thank-you notes in the trunks of cars at drive-thru food pantries noted how much the meal distributions meant to those in need, she said. Leaders of Today CEO Marsalis Hammons received the Emerald Award for Inspirational Leadership. Raised in Elyria, Hammons founded Leaders of Today while attending Cleveland State University. His work with the nonprofit, along with support for mental health initiatives, sparked him earning the accolade for young professionals. "Being raised in Elyria and Lorain it is easy to feel looked over or underestimated," he said. "Remember together we are the change we wish to see. We can, we will, and we must." Lorain Historical Society Executive Director Barb Piscopo earned the Eric Nord Award for Excellence in Leadership. Hired in 2013 as the first full-time director for the historical society, Piscopo brought experience as a teacher, administrator and small-business owner, along with a passion to the city and its history. She said she was overwhelmed when she found out she was this year's recipient. She may have come to Lorain for the job, but stayed because she fell in love with the people there and thanked all those who had crossed her path for the honor. "When I look back on the life that I've lived, especially the 30-plus years in Lorain County to see that other people recognize that as being worthy of one of the most prestigious awards in the county and to see my name listed is just beyond humbling," she said. Contact Carissa Woytach at (440) 329-7245 or cwoytach@chroniclet.com.