Annual Ferno-Washington cookout raises $1,700

Ferno-Washington, Inc., the global leader in emergency pre-hospital patient handling equipment, held its annual Ferno Community Cookout and Car Show on Friday, Aug. 22 to benefit Cathy’s Kids, an organization that provides gifts and meals for underprivileged children during the holiday season.

While the company has held annual employee appreciation luncheons for many decades, this is the second year the event has included members of the community, vendors, area business leaders and other VIP guests.

Throughout the year, Ferno employees raise money through raffles, bake sales and a canned food drive to benefit Cathy’s Kids, which was renamed in honor of former colleague, Cathy Williams, who lost her battle with cancer in 2013. This year’s event raised more than $1,700, all of which will be used to buy gifts and provide meals for children in Clinton, Highland and Fayette counties during the month of December.

Last year, Cathy’s Kids was able to adopt a record 103 children coming from 37 families.

“We treat others like family here at Ferno, especially when it comes to supporting our community,” said Nancy Keeton, Ferno International Customer Service Manager. “Cathy was passionate about helping families have a better holiday season, and we will carry on that tradition as a Ferno family because that’s what we do.”

This was the 16th year the cookout has helped to benefit Cathy’s Kids (formerly Operation Santa). Friday’s event drew over 250 people to Ferno’s global headquarters located in Wilmington, including Ferno chairman and co-founder, Elroy “El” Bourgraf and business guests from neighboring companies, including R&L Carriers, Polaris and the American Red Cross.

Donations to “Cathy’s Kids” can be made by sending a check or money order to “Cathy’s Kids”, c/o Ferno-Washington, Inc., 70 Weil Way, Wilmington, OH 45107.