BE A BALLER -"Building a lifelong legacy"

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Jennifer Griffith. Regional President, First Merchants Bank , has been serving the Central Ohio banking community for over twenty years. Under Jennifer’s leadership, First Merchants has consistently been recognized as one of the Best Employers in Ohio. Her commitment to providing an exceptional work environment is the foundation of building a local team that excels in our marketplace.
Jennifer Griffith has been dedicated to the growth of First Merchants since 1996, when it was then known as Commerce National Bank. She began her career in the commercial credit department, led the commercial sales team and accepted her current role in 2008. Jennifer Griffith demonstrates her advocacy by aligning with the mission of the Ohio Bankers League, and has served on its board of directors.
She, along with the Ohio team, actively engage with local leaders, including The Conway Family Business Center, of which she is a board member, the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce, Entrepreneurs’ Organization, The Salvation Army of Central Ohio, and the Upper Arlington Community Foundation, of which she is a member of its board of trustees.
She is a graduate of The Ohio State University, with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance.

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Join us for an inspiring conversation with Dee Anders the remarkable CEO and Executive Director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio. Discover how her upbringing in Columbus, Ohio, and pivotal experiences at Brookhaven High School, such as engaging in gymnastics and cheerleading, were instrumental in shaping her commitment to community service. Dee Anders early involvement in the Kids Speak program sparked a lifelong passion for connecting children with city government, setting her on a path of impactful leadership. Her story is a testament to the power of mentorship and the profound influence a supportive community can have in nurturing future leaders.
This episode also takes you inside the world of the Ronald McDonald House in Central Ohio, where Dee Anders shares heartwarming stories of families who have found solace and support during challenging times. Experience the joy and camaraderie that blossom through volunteering and community engagement, from gardening to administrative roles. Learn from Dee's insights on leadership and resilience, especially in the context of fundraising, and hear about the incredible generational impact of compassion and service. Whether you're interested in making a difference or seeking inspiration from a community of like-minded individuals, this conversation is sure to leave you motivated to contribute to a legacy of positive change.

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For over 40 years Bishop Timothy Joseph Clarke has been the visionary leader and Senior Pastor of First Church of God in Columbus, OH, where under his dynamic and prophetic leadership, First Church has become a spiritual beacon at the local and national level. He is a faithful pastor, anointed teacher, author and an articulate and prolific preacher. His love of God and people are expansive enough to reach the nations and microscopic enough to touch individuals on a personal level.
Called to the ministry in January 1974, Bishop Clarke served as the Associate Minister at First Church of God, in his hometown of Far Rockaway, New York, under his mentor, the late Dr. James E. Cray. Bishop Clarke began his pastorate at York Avenue Church of God (Warren, OH) in November 1977 and faithfully served the congregation for four years. Bishop Clarke became the Senior Pastor of First Church of God in February 1982 after receiving the call in November 1981. His consecration to the office of Bishop transpired in September of 2001.
Bishop Clarke is the founder and Chief Prelate of the Berean Fellowship, an international assembly, partnering with pastors of small to mid -size churches, young pastors, and those new to pastoral ministry. Through the Berean Fellowship, Bishop Clarke equips pastors and leaders with the tools necessary to do effective ministry while offering a place of love, acceptance, and affirmation.
During the 41 years, Bishop Clarke has led First Church of God, he has served in Christian leadership positions at the local and national levels and has been privileged to sit on the board of organizations and associations that have benefitted both people and community. He is the recipient of numerous honors and awards, including induction into the Morehouse College Board of Preachers.
Bishop Clarke’s standard of excellence is apparent in his commitment to not only ministry but also education. He holds a Certificate of Theology and Ministry (Princeton Theological Seminary, Princeton, NJ); Bachelor of Theology (Graduate Theological Foundation, Mishawaka, IN); Master of Ministry (Southern California School of Ministry, Los Angeles, CA); Doctorate of Divinity (Mid -America University, Oklahoma City, OK); Doctorate of Humanities (Wilberforce University, Wilberforce, OH); Doctorate of Divinity(Anderson University, Anderson IN)
Bishop Clarke has maintained a fellowship with the National Association of the Church of God and has served in several leadership capacities including President of the National Inspirational Youth Convention, Chairman, and Vice-Chairman of the General Assembly; and President of the Ministers Counsel.
Bishop Clarke is the husband of Dr. Clytemnestra Lawson Clarke, and a loving father and grandfather

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Gerry Hammond is the founder of Hammond Golf Academy. Gerry is a PGA Teaching Professional who has always felt a call to service. After playing basketball at Ohio University in 1988 he changed directions accepting a golf scholarship to St Augustine University, where he served as team captain, winning several championships and awards. Upon graduation, Gerry played golf professionally competing on numerous tours before joining the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) and reaching the elite ‘Class A’ status.
As a visionary and change agent, Gerry accepted and began his gift of teaching, while focusing on youth and instilling the inherent values of golf, including lessons on honesty, integrity, discipline, academic excellence, teamwork, and service. And for nearly 25 years, he has been a beloved coach and mentor to hundreds of children throughout Ohio, using golf as a tool to open doors, leading to economic, professional and personal success.
Gerry never imagined, however, that his career in golf would lead to an even higher calling, until one night.
“It came in a dream six years ago,” Gerry says “God visited me and told me he wanted me to show His strength on Earth in numbers. In the dream I saw a silhouette of a t-shirt. It was a powerful vision and I felt compelled to carry out His charge.”
As the blueprint for a social enterprise emerged, Gerry made a personal commitment to God that he would invest 51% of the company’s net profits back into the global community. Gerry states that “InTheNumber® is not my company, it’s Gods company, He’s majority owner so 51% is going back to Him and His creation.” “This is all a pass through for us and what better way than to collectively come together as a human race, putting all of our differences and challenges aside and looking out for one another and the word we live in.”

The offspring of InTheNumber is the Be Counted Foundation.

Mission Statement: To curate a global “team” comprised of every individual with the mindset that personal and united accountability can enhance the world in which we live. Unity is the goal. Compassion is the guidance. Humanity is the gift.

Vision Statement: The Be Counted Foundation believes every individual can change the world. We work to build upon innate and unique human abilities within the scope of Education, Health, Human Rights and our Environment to equip the global race with the skills needed to make our planet a more inclusive and fruitful place to live for all.

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Rick Hogan is a proud lifelong resident of Toledo, Ohio and an Ohio University Graduate School of Business Marketing Major.

Rick Hogan is a 26 year experienced General Manager with Fleming Street Communication, WJUC 107.3.The Juice is the first African American owned and operated station in Toledo beginning broadcasting in 1997. The vision of station Charles “Charlie Chuck” Welch a former DJ.

In addition, to his General Manager role Rick hosts a weekly Saturday morning radio show that focuses on community concerns, local and national news, events and initiatives that serve the community’s interest.

He heads various community projects such as the Annual Turkey Give, Annual Christmas Family Adoption, African American Legacy Project, Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity Blitz Build, Caring for Caregivers Expo and the Annual Back to School Supply Giveaway

Prior to joining WJUC Hogan served was a Activities Therapist for 13 years with the Ohio Department of Youth Services where he developed and implemented programs in art, music, sports and education. Hogan specialized in working with youth who were incarcerated as well as youth with substance abuse.

When not working Hogan enjoys spending time with his family, (especially his Dad), travelling, bowling, golfing, volunteering with the city of Toledo, OH and watching his daughter compete in golf.

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