Collection Law Firm Receives Community Service Recognition

Cleveland, OH ? Countless hours of charitable giving and community involvement earned Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., L.P.A., honorable mention in the Medical Mutual 2003 Pillar Award for Community Service competition.

The Pillar Awards for Community Service recognizes those companies and individuals who are committed to improving the quality of life in Northeast Ohio by giving unselfishly of themselves. Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., L.P.A. (WWR), the nation?s largest creditors? rights law firm based on placements and revenue and according to Collections & Credit Risk magazine, was among those honored this year.

?All employees of WWR are encouraged to take an active role in their local communities,? said Alan Weinberg, managing partner of the entire firm. ?With almost 800 employees in nine offices, we realize the importance of playing a part in our local community. It is touching to me to see the heartfelt generosity our employees express.?

In 2003, WWR employees raised a company record of $17,712 to support the March of Dimes WalkAmerica 2003. ?In 2003, over 800 firm employees collected donations and competed in other fundraising activities to help WWR reach its goal,? said Sara Donnersbach, an associate in the Cleveland office and firm coordinator for the March of Dimes. ?While partnering with the March of Dimes, WWR employees not only have a lot of fun, but they give their time, talent and funds to help save babies and raise public awareness of the problems associated with premature births.?

WWR also participated in National Credit Education Week. Attorneys spent time speaking to high school students about the importance of being financially responsible. In addition, the firm sponsored two scholarships for high school students pursuing higher education.

In addition to these projects, many WWR attorneys participate on area non-profit boards and give of their time by volunteering in the community. Here are a few examples:

• Alan Weinberg, managing partner of WWR, served as chairperson for the Care Alliance Fundraiser. The organization raised over $50,000 to provide medical and dental services to the homeless and low income.

• Sara Donnersbach, an associate in the Cleveland office; and Stacie Wittenberg, an associate in the Brooklyn Heights office; sat on the committee which, planned the 2003 March of Dimes Star Chef?s auction. The event raised over $100,000 for the March of Dimes.

• James Doran, an associate in the Cleveland office, participated in the Muscular Dystrophy Association ?Lock-up? program. WWR clients, friends and employees helped Jim to raise $435 to release him from jail. The money went directly to support the organization.

Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., L.P.A. has been providing comprehensive collection and litigation services since 1930 to creditors throughout the nation The firm has offices in Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Detroit, Mount Holly (NJ), Philadelphia and Pittsburgh.