Today we’d like to introduce you to Elsie Dawson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
The Annie L. Dawson Foundation was officially established in 2007 by my husband, Judge William L. Dawson, and his brother, long-time Fox 8 News anchorman, Wayne Dawson. They founded the Foundation to honor their mother, Annie as a tribute to her dedication to the importance of education and her passion for helping others. She was known in her neighborhood as “Big Annie”, even though she stood under 5 feet tall. She had a big personality and an even bigger presence.
Wayne and William were both greatly influenced by her hard work ethic and her persistence. They both credit their individual successes to her example. Both being first-generation college graduates and becoming exemplary men in their communities all are a result of Ms. Annie’s example and many sacrifices.
We started out having intimate gatherings around the city, with the Dawson brothers speaking about their plans for the Foundation and collecting small donations. Since that time, we have been able to raise our main funds through an annual bowling fundraiser (The Wayne Dawson Celebrity Bowl-a-thon), and we have had the blessing of receiving donations to fund our giving. The Foundation has grown to give out scholarships to college-bound high school seniors; feeding people with food insecurities; hosting the Cycle Breaker Conference (a TEDTalk fashioned event dedicated to breaking negative cycles with communities); handing out coats to children in need of winter wear, and just finding ways to help out families who fall on hard times. We get emails daily seeking help, and we step in wherever we can.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Generally speaking, it has been a smooth road. The “challenges” that we may have faced early on were merely adjustments that we needed to make to meet the growth we were blessed to receive. As the Foundation grew, we knew that we would need to find more ways to give beyond just the scholarships. We enjoyed exploring the many ways we could give back. The only slight struggle that we face now is that we are a staff of “us”. The Dawson men have day jobs that are pretty demanding and time-consuming. I handle the daily work that comes across the desk and I keep the family abreast of information and communications regarding all of the business.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
After a number of years of “working” the business of the Dawson Foundation, I am now officially noted as the Foundation Director. I handle all communications and correspondence regarding ALD. To put it into words, I suppose I would say that I specialize in dealing with people. I’m a super creative person and enjoy the process of planning and executing.
I am most proud of our growth over the years, the partnerships that we have formed, and the reach that we have been able to have throughout Northeast Ohio.
I believe that the small nature of our family organization adds a feeling of community. The people who support us become like family and I think that comfort provides invaluable trust. We are touchable and very communicative.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
People who are interested in working with us or collaborating with us should send us an email via our website (www.dawsonfoundation.org) With their ideas. Those who are interested in supporting the Dawson Foundation can do so:
via the Donate button on our website;
via Cash App @DawsonFoundation;
or
via U.S. mail to: 13938 Cedar Road (Suite 366) Cleveland, Ohio 44118
Contact Info:
- Website: www.DawsonFoundation.org
- Instagram: @DawsonFoundation
Image Credits Judge William Dawson Wayne Dawson Elsie Dawson
