Senior Transportation Connection (STC) will honor board member Gerald B. Chattman, Esq. at its fourth annual fundraiser, Celebrating Connections in October. The event celebrates his leadership in ensuring coordinated, efficient and affordable transportation is available to seniors and adults with disabilities throughout Cuyahoga County.

Celebrating Connections will be held Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018, 6:30 pm at Executive Caterers at Landerhaven in Mayfield Heights. The evening includes dinner, cocktails, music, silent auction and a program. Tickets start at $100 each and sponsorships are available. Emcee is WKYC-TV anchor Russ Mitchell.

As a partner with Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, Chattman chairs its Nonprofit & Foundation Practice Group, working on formation, governance, labor and litigation. His legal career includes awards for expertise in nonprofit, labor relations, business and real estate. He joined the STC board in 2012 and served as treasurer from 2015-2018, guiding STC during its largest growth period since inception. “His unwavering faith in what STC can accomplish inspires us to new challenges!” STC Executive Director Janice M. Dzigiel said.

“I choose to support STC because it connects seniors to many other essential services and experiences,” Chattman explained. “Meals, medical care, social outings. STC preserves independence and choice for thousands of older residents who are able to live in their own homes.”

The collaborative mission of STC stands out to its guest of honor. “Transportation complements the mission of many nonprofits and human services that I have worked with in my practice,” he continued. “This community has a vibrant network of resources, and STC offers reliable access to it.”

Chattman is President of the National Center for Nonprofit Enterprise. He is a board member for the Rape Crisis Center, Center for Prevention of Domestic Violence and the Cleveland Botanical Gardens. He is Board Vice President and Trustee at The Temple-Tifereth Israel. He has chaired both State of Ohio and Northern Region National Office of Volunteers of the March of Dimes; and is a Past President and a Life Trustee for Bellefaire. He and his wife Winnie reside in Pepper Pike.

Event proceeds will purchase and maintain STC’s wheelchair accessible vehicles. “Last year, STC drove more than one million miles across the county, in all weather conditions. It was our busiest year yet,” Dzigiel reported. “This event helps us replace vehicles and keep them in top condition. Plus, we will name one in Jerry’s honor, to show our thanks for his advocacy for STC and our passengers.”

STC serves Cuyahoga County residents who need a ride to medical appointments, senior center meals, shopping and personal errands. The not-for-profit STC was founded in 2005 by funding from The Mt. Sinai Health Care Foundation, Cleveland Foundation, United Way Senior Success Vision Council, Jewish Federation’s Community Services for Older Adults, and other foundations. Today, 20 percent of its operating revenue comes from charitable donations.

Partners include 29 municipalities, Cuyahoga County Division of Senior and Adult Services, Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA), Rose Centers for Aging Well and other agencies contract with STC. Each pays most of the cost per trip. Riders pay a nominal portion of the fare.

“STC has its roots in communities and not-for-profit organizations that understood the significance of transportation for our constituents,” Dzigiel explained. “We are proud to be a model of collaboration that continues to attract new partners each year.”

For more information, call (216) 265-3008 or email cciha@ridestc.org. Tickets are $100 and sponsorships begin at $1,000.