JumpStart Receives $1 Million Gift from The Richard J. Fasenmyer Foundation to Continue Entrepreneurial Support and Investment

CLEVELAND, June 8 /PRNewswire/ -- JumpStart Inc., a nationally recognized non-profit organization creating economic transformation by providing resources to entrepreneurs leading high potential, early-stage companies, has received a $1 million grant from The Richard J. Fasenmyer Foundation of Fairlawn, Ohio. This is the first gift the Fasenmyer Foundation has made under its philanthropic mission of supporting entrepreneurship and free enterprise.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20060209/CLJUMPSTARTLOGO )

The Richard J. Fasenmyer Foundation chose JumpStart as the recipient of its inaugural entrepreneurship and free enterprise giving because of JumpStart's work in providing entrepreneurial development assistance to entrepreneurs leading companies that can impact the economy. The Fasenmyer Foundation was formed in 1991 by the late Richard J. Fasenmyer, an Akron-area entrepreneur who founded RJF International Corp. of Fairlawn.  

"Dick was an entrepreneur who believed in peoples' potential. He knew that entrepreneurs, their ideas, their passion, and their companies were critical parts of the local community, in part because they create jobs for people in the community," says John Baechle, CEO of RJF International Corporation and a director of the Fasenmyer Foundation. "This gift to JumpStart is the first gift we've made based on his professional legacy. We believe JumpStart's work assisting entrepreneurs, who are leading the high growth companies that create hundreds or thousands of jobs within communities, absolutely reflects the type of activity Dick would want to support and accelerate."

"We are tremendously honored to partner with the Fasenmyer Foundation in bringing Mr. Fasenmyer's legacy to life," said Ray Leach, CEO of JumpStart Inc.

In addition to fostering business entrepreneurship and promoting the free enterprise spirit, The Richard J. Fasenmyer Foundation also supports significant, innovative, collaborative efforts in clinical immunology and encourages economic development in partnership with the arts.

About JumpStart Inc.

JumpStart Inc. is a nationally recognized non-profit organization creating economic transformation by securing resources for and providing resources to entrepreneurs leading high potential early-stage companies. JumpStart provides intensive entrepreneurial development assistance to entrepreneurs leading high potential, early-stage companies, acts as a champion for entrepreneurs by aggressively advocating for the entrepreneurial economy, and focuses on economic inclusion and activities that increase the success of minority and women entrepreneurs in growing high impact companies.

About The Richard J. Fasenmyer Foundation

The Richard J. Fasenmyer Foundation supports significant, innovative, collaborative efforts in clinical immunology, particularly those that relate to patient support, education and research in the areas of HIV/AIDS and its attendant illnesses; fosters business entrepreneurship and promotes the free enterprise spirit; and encourages economic development in partnership with the arts. The Foundation is committed to continuing and strengthening the passions and legacy of its founder, Richard J. Fasenmyer.  Mr. Fasenmyer was an entrepreneur who founded RFJ International Corporation, a Fairlawn-based world leader in the manufacturing and distribution of interior wall-covering, industrial matting products, and specialty films.

SOURCE JumpStart, Inc.