OPI’s George Schaeffer was hoping to raise $125,000 for survivors of Hurricane Katrina. The company exceeded the goal, raising more than $300,000 for the American Red Cross. (left to right) OPI’s Suzi Weiss-Fischmann, Miriam Schaeffer, the Red Cross’ Bill Hopkins, Schaffer, OPI’s Nancy Wind, and the Red Cross’ Jill Valenti hold the check that Schaffer presented to the Red Cross at OPI’s North Hollywood, Calif., headquarters.
It’s no secret George Schaeffer, president and CEO of OPI, is a giving man. And when news of the massive loss and destruction Hurricane Katrina left behind came to light, Schaeffer was quick to act. In support of the hurricane victims, the Schaeffer Family Foundation, a philanthropic organization established by Schaeffer and his family, made a donation of more than $300,000 to the American Red Cross through a matching-funds program.
Beginning September 1-11, Schaeffer challenged OPI employees, independent educators and trainers, distributors, customers, and vendors to make a contribution to the American Red Cross, with the assurance that the Schaeffer Family Foundation would match every donation up to a total of $125,000.
Schaeffer was pleasantly surprised when contributions kept coming in, causing him to extend the deadline to September 13. By that time, not only had the original goal of $125,000 in donations come in, but so had an additional $50,000 plus. More than 450 checks were sent in, along with cash. People from as far away as India and Switzerland even donated money. Schaeffer was more than happy to present American Red Cross representatives Jill Valenti and Bill Hopkins with a check at his North Hollywood, Calif., headquarters. Hopkins said the check will be deposited in a bank and wired immediately to help aid hurricane survivors.
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