Weed Ross Group Spearheads Donations to Local Schools
Weed Ross Group Spearheads Donations to Local Schools
When the community is in need, the community steps up.
When you tell people you live in Ellicottville, you’re usually greeted with a “Ooooh, you live there? That must be so awesome!” That statement is inherently correct because of the two outstanding ski resorts, bevy of blue-ribbon bars, restaurants and shops and the general allure of the place. You would be correct, friend. It is awesome.
But those that live here feel a different type of hometown pride. When you start peeling back the layers that embody Ellicottville — which is more people than place — you begin to realize that the sense of togetherness isn’t just lip service. Those that live here are fiercely proud of their commitment to one another in times of need. The pandemic has created a lot of need. The community continues to answer the call.
Sean Cornelius, owner of the Weed Ross Insurance Group, is no stranger to giving back. He’s of the attitude that the more you give, the more exposure your business gets — therefore, garnering more business — which allows you to keep giving back. It’s a unique blend of capitalism and philanthropy. Weed Ross Group does many things for the community, both publicly and below the surface. One such was giving every graduating senior of Ellicottville Central School’s “COVID” class of 2020 branded Yeti tumblers.
No one can escape the pandemic’s impact. Business owners, teachers, parents, bartenders — the list goes on. Many need help, but schools may be the hardest hit. The mad dash to become COVID-compliant on top of the ever-present fear of a fall surge has created a sense of anxious uncertainty with adults … and a world turned upside down for the kids.
“Ellicottville’s Ali Brennan, who’s a PE teacher in Randolph, approached us a few weeks ago,” Cornelius said. “She was trying to put together playground balls for kids that were learning remotely. This sort of thing is right up our alley, and I told her that Weed Ross Group would be happy to help. We were able to donate playground balls to every family in Randolph.”
While the PPE (personal protective equipment) shortage that plagued the country at the onset of the pandemic has eased a little, schools are still scrambling trying to gather as much as they can. Weed Ross Group donated 500 reusable masks in the Ellicottville Central School colors for students and faculty. Both the playground balls and masks came from Sports Locker in Olean.
But it’s what happened next where the aforementioned sense of community came into play.
“It came to my attention that not every kid has a device — a computer or a tablet — that helps immensely with remote learning,” Cornelius said. “When we dug a little deeper, we learned that the school hadn’t earmarked any money to purchase additional devices. We found out that we would need around 40 iPads to fill in the gaps, and if the school goes through the Apple School Program, they get a discount. The wheels started spinning after that.”
Cornelius approached the Ellicottville Rotary Club to see what could be done. He told Bob Miller, Ellicottville Central School superintendent, that he would reach out to local businesses and private citizens as well. And he did. Cornelius reached out to one of his insurance companies, New York Central Mutual, who contributed funds. He was quick to point out how critical the Rotary’s involvement has been, too. The Boardroom Snowboard Shop also contributed funds.
“Altogether we were able to bring in enough money to purchase 43 iPads,” Cornelius said.
“It’s a tough time for everyone,” he added. “It feels so great to work with the schools and help people out. Teachers have it tough right now … students have it tough. It’s a matter of doing what we can to help whomever we can. I have kids that are school age and friends that are teachers, so I’ve got some insight into the struggles everyone is having. We’re trying to do what we can.”
