COLUMBUS, OH – On June 18, Champion Real Estate Services received the 2015 Corporate Caring Award from Columbus Business First in the Human Services Category.

One of four honorees in the Small Business category out of 66 finalists, Champion was recognized for its innovative Round Up Your Rent program that benefits its Champion Cares Foundation, which donates money to three Central Ohio charities every quarter.

“We wanted to give something back to the communities that helped us launch as a business. To do something for folks in need,” said Michelle Yeager-Thornton, Champion’s co-founder and chief operating officer.

The Round Up Your Rent Program gives Champion’s residents at each of its 13 apartment communities the opportunity to round up their rent by $1 each month, resulting in a $12 per year donation to the Champion Cares Foundation. Then, Champion is matching each of those donations dollar-for-dollar to double the impact.

With almost 5,000 apartments in its portfolio that could participate, Champion has the resources to donate thousands of dollars per year to its partner charities.

The three charities that receive donations from the Foundation are Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio, the YWCA Family Center, and the Children’s Hunger Alliance.

“Champion Real Estate is a perfect example of corporate caring in our community,” said Edward Cohn, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio. “Through their comprehensive approach to philanthropy, Brian Yeager and Michelle Yeager-Thornton lead by example and have a major positive impact on Central Ohio.”

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About Champion Real Estate Services

Founded in 2010, Champion is a privately-held, fully-integrated, multi-family real estate firm. Champion currently owns and manages nearly 5,000 apartments across 13 communities in the growing cities of Columbus (Easton), Delaware, Dublin, Grove City, Hilliard, Lewis Center (Polaris), New Albany, Powell and Westerville. Champion has been recognized three years in a row as one of Central Ohio’s fastest growing companies by Columbus Business First’s Fast 50 list, ranking third in 2012, fifth in 2013 and ninth in 2014.