8th Annual Pepper Casino Night Raises Record-Breaking Funds for Junior Achievement, Significant Investment in Workforce Readiness

COLUMBUS, Ohio, May 26, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- On May 18^th, 2017, Pepper Construction and Abercrombie & Fitch partnered for the first time to host a benefit for Junior Achievement (JA) of Central Ohio. More than 225 attendees were present at the event; among those were more than 50 leading businesses, including several of central Ohio's largest employers, who raised funds for Junior Achievement of Central Ohio at the 8^th Annual Casino Night.  Since its inception, this event has raised enough funds to support more than 7,500 students benefiting from Junior Achievement programs, 2,500 students from this year's fundraiser alone. 

"I am privileged to be part of a team that cares very deeply about the communities in which they live and work," said Paul Francois, President of Pepper Ohio.  "I would like to thank everyone for their efforts in another record breaking fundraiser for Junior Achievement.  That's a tremendous impact for the youth of central Ohio!"

Last year, JA of Central Ohio's programs grew 11.5% to reach more than 21,800 elementary, middle, and high school students across central Ohio. JA uses a model of experiential learning focused on financial literacy, entrepreneurial skills, and workplace readiness to build confidence and inspire students so they not only envision what their future looks like but gain the skills necessary to achieve that vision. 

Mike Davis, President of Junior Achievement of Central Ohio, had nothing but praise for the caring companies:  "Every year I am amazed by the energy, effort and engagement from the Pepper Construction team and our other partners that support Casino Night.  This year we are thrilled that Abercrombie and Fitch has provided additional leadership as a presenting sponsor and has helped expand the involvement of others in this fantastic event. On behalf of the 2,500 kids in our community who will be better prepared for success in their careers, due to the funds that were provided by this event, we are very grateful!"

The JA BizTown^® program, in particular, provides 4^th through 6^th grade students with a realistic opportunity to experience how basic economic concepts are applied in the real world.  Students operate businesses including retail stores, manufacturing shops, media outlets, utility services, restaurants, banks, and even City Hall – learning first-hand what it takes to create and run a business, as well as personally earn and manage money. Read more about JA Biztown in central Ohiohere.

About Junior Achievement of Central Ohio
Junior Achievement (JA) of Central Ohio is an affiliate of JA USA – the world's largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. JA programs are delivered by corporate and community volunteers, and they provide relevant hands-on experiences that give kids from kindergarten to high school knowledge and skills in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and work readiness. JA of Central Ohio was founded in 1950 as one of only nine affiliates in Ohio, maintaining a long history of leadership in the state's education community. In the 2015-2016 school year, JA of Central Ohio delivered more than 928 JA classes to over 21,800 students across 14 Ohio counties. Visit www.jacols.org for more information.

About Pepper Construction Group
Columbus-based Pepper Ohio is part of Pepper Construction Group, which serves clients across the country with comprehensive teams in Ohio, Indiana and Illinois working in markets such as workplace, manufacturing and light industrial, retail, healthcare, education, data centers, entertainment, and hospitality among others. Visit us at pepperconstruction.com to see what we're up to and hear our take on the intriguing world of construction. Or even better – join the conversation with us @PepperConstruct.

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SOURCE Pepper Construction