Dozens attend mayor’s annual fundraiser
Stefanik will give these donations back to community
The mayor visits with a few of his guests: Alex Zaytsev, owner of Global Transport in Brook Park, and George Salo, owner of State Meats in Parma. Photos by JAIME ANTON
NORTH ROYALTON – More than 100 gathered to support the mayor at his 10th annual mayoral fundraiser.
Many residents might be surprised to find Mayor Bob Stefanik is unique in that he chooses to give most all of the money he raises back to the community rather than amassing a “war chest,” even in election years when he faced opposition.
He has given tens of thousands throughout his years of service as a public official – first as Ward 6 councilman, then council president and finally mayor – to several charities, service clubs and groups.
A small sampling he has donated to includes: the American Cancer Society; the Blossom Hill Foundation; band, baseball, soccer, athletic, softball, cheer and swim boosters and clubs; the high school’s after prom; the North Royalton Educational Foundation; North Royalton 4-H; the North Royalton High School Scholarship Program; the Oakridge Pool; North Royalton’s Community Emergency Response Team; North Royalton Lions, Kiwanis, Rotary, Historical Society, Holiday Lighting Committee and Garden clubs; Royal Redeemer Lutheran Church; St. Albert the Great Parish; Friends of the North Royalton Library; and the Strongsville VFW.
His most substantial gift was $25,000 toward the North Royalton Family YMCA.
Several people from the community – residents, business owners, school and city officials, and friends and family – attended his recent event, hosted April 20 at Carrie Cerino’s Ristorante and Party Center. Stefanik is in the second year of his final four-year term as mayor.
North Royalton Schools Superintendent Greg Gurka and Assistant Superintendent Jim Presot both attended, demonstrating the unity between the city and schools.
“I appreciate all the support he gives our school district and our entire community, so I wouldn’t miss it,” Gurka said.
Stefanik’s family is filled with pride at the accomplishments they say he has pursued and achieved.
“He’s one of the best mayors around, really,” his father Andy Stefanik said. “And all the money he gets, he gives it all away to the Boy Scouts, Adventure Guides, this, that and the other thing. All my kids are good kids, all my kids are aggressive and successful. I couldn’t be prouder.”
When asked if she ever thought her big brother would be mayor one day, Diane Schuster said it came as no surprise.
“Actually, yeah, I did. He’s a level-headed, good-hearted person, so I’m not surprised at all,” Stefanik’s sister smiled.
Ward 5 Councilwoman Cheryl Hannan said she looks up to Stefanik when it comes to public service and leadership having witnessed his interactions with residents when she served alongside him on planning commission and now on city council.
“I learned what a good, caring person he is. He takes the time to listen to residents and their concerns. He will follow up and personally visit residents to see what the problem is and try to solve it,” she said. “He’s a great example of how a good city leader should be: responsive, caring and a good listener.”
Stefanik said he simply wants to do all he can to support his community.
“I was fortunate not to have an opponent last time I ran for mayor, so I was able to use the money to help our local clubs and charities, and I’m going to continue on with that,” he said. “I want to do all I can to help.”
Many residents might be surprised to find Mayor Bob Stefanik is unique in that he chooses to give most all of the money he raises back to the community rather than amassing a “war chest,” even in election years when he faced opposition.
He has given tens of thousands throughout his years of service as a public official – first as Ward 6 councilman, then council president and finally mayor – to several charities, service clubs and groups.
A small sampling he has donated to includes: the American Cancer Society; the Blossom Hill Foundation; band, baseball, soccer, athletic, softball, cheer and swim boosters and clubs; the high school’s after prom; the North Royalton Educational Foundation; North Royalton 4-H; the North Royalton High School Scholarship Program; the Oakridge Pool; North Royalton’s Community Emergency Response Team; North Royalton Lions, Kiwanis, Rotary, Historical Society, Holiday Lighting Committee and Garden clubs; Royal Redeemer Lutheran Church; St. Albert the Great Parish; Friends of the North Royalton Library; and the Strongsville VFW.
His most substantial gift was $25,000 toward the North Royalton Family YMCA.
Several people from the community – residents, business owners, school and city officials, and friends and family – attended his recent event, hosted April 20 at Carrie Cerino’s Ristorante and Party Center. Stefanik is in the second year of his final four-year term as mayor.
North Royalton Schools Superintendent Greg Gurka and Assistant Superintendent Jim Presot both attended, demonstrating the unity between the city and schools.
“I appreciate all the support he gives our school district and our entire community, so I wouldn’t miss it,” Gurka said.
Stefanik’s family is filled with pride at the accomplishments they say he has pursued and achieved.
“He’s one of the best mayors around, really,” his father Andy Stefanik said. “And all the money he gets, he gives it all away to the Boy Scouts, Adventure Guides, this, that and the other thing. All my kids are good kids, all my kids are aggressive and successful. I couldn’t be prouder.”
When asked if she ever thought her big brother would be mayor one day, Diane Schuster said it came as no surprise.
“Actually, yeah, I did. He’s a level-headed, good-hearted person, so I’m not surprised at all,” Stefanik’s sister smiled.
Ward 5 Councilwoman Cheryl Hannan said she looks up to Stefanik when it comes to public service and leadership having witnessed his interactions with residents when she served alongside him on planning commission and now on city council.
“I learned what a good, caring person he is. He takes the time to listen to residents and their concerns. He will follow up and personally visit residents to see what the problem is and try to solve it,” she said. “He’s a great example of how a good city leader should be: responsive, caring and a good listener.”
Stefanik said he simply wants to do all he can to support his community.
“I was fortunate not to have an opponent last time I ran for mayor, so I was able to use the money to help our local clubs and charities, and I’m going to continue on with that,” he said. “I want to do all I can to help.”