Detroit Bully Corps Named Grand Prize Winner In Bernzomatic's "Find Your Fire™" Community Grants Program

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 24, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Bernzomatic^®, the industry leader in handheld torches since 1876, announced today the winner of its "Find Your Fire" Community Grants program, an initiative that's awarding more than $40,000 in grant funding to inspiring organizations intent on revitalizing their communities.   

With the help of votes from the local community and supporters nationwide, Lapeer, Michigan's Detroit Bully Corps was named the grand prize recipient of a $10,000 grant, $1,500 worth of Bernzomatic product, and a visit from DIY expert Nicole Curtis to assist with the rehabilitation project.

With Curtis at the helm, the program encouraged people across the country to nominate projects that will make a difference in their communities and involve a blowtorch in some way. Ten finalists were selected, and nearly 35,000 votes from across the country were cast to select the winners. In addition to the grand prize winner, two runners-up were awarded a $10,000 grant, while the seven remaining finalists received a $1,500 grant and Bernzomatic products to help bring their projects to life.

"America selected a tremendous organization to receive our grand prize. Detroit Bully Corps clearly creates an environment that fosters community support and makes a tangible impact on the welfare of their animals," said Janna Stanford, Bernzomatic spokesperson. "All of the submissions were deeply inspirational. We're grateful for the chance to help these deserving organizations bring their projects to life."    

The Detroit Bully Corps (DBC) rehabilitates American Pit Bull Terrier breeds and provides education on responsible ownership, training, breeding and anti-dogfighting. In 2013, DBC relocated to a ten acre property an hour north of Detroit. The property now features groomed trails and fenced-in yards, primarily used as a space to exercise and socialize their dogs. DBC intends on using its grant winnings to rehabilitate a 1200 square foot barn, using the Bernzomatic torches to solder copper water supply lines, soften peeling paint, remove weeds, and light the burn pile, transforming it into a year-round training and educational facility to assist dog owners, schools, police and other rescues.

The program's runners-up and finalists included:

Runners-Up:

• Leathernecks Detachment #1419, Mandan, North Dakota: The Mandan VFW's goal is to serve the local veterans and community, providing an updated common space, restrooms and kitchen to be used to serve hot meals to visitors during the winter season.
• Fireman's Beach, Conneaut Lake, Pennsylvania: Once cleaned up, the beach will provide a playground to attract tourists, featuring a play space, landscaped property, charcoal grills and more.

Finalists:

• Maintenance Room, Detroit, Michigan: A not-for-profit organization that provides artist studios, residencies, sculpture parks and creative, interactive environments for the community to engage in culture, education and entertainment.
• Auntie Na's House, Detroit, Michigan: A space for education and community programs including tutoring, after-school athletics, musical instrument practice, summer sessions, and more.
• Stonybrook Fine Arts Center, Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts: A public access space and sculpture class facility for adults and teens – novice to professionals – giving back to the community through group projects and teaching skills such as teamwork and problem solving.
• Greenhouse, Newburyport, Massachusetts: A space utilized by the community to grow fruits and vegetables that are distributed to low income families and seniors.
• GAR Hall, Beverly, Massachusetts: Built in 1863, GAR Hall's goal is to once again become a community space after serving as a chapel, high school, armory, veterans meeting space and senior center.
• Railroad Museum, Rosenberg, Texas: Host to more than 60,000 visitors throughout the past eight years, the caboose showcases the history of the community and in need of repairs to the roof, walls, chassis, and metal rails to complete the restorations currently underway.
• Fire Department, Columbia, Missouri: Working to assist a local artist in constructing the sculpture with the goal of providing a creative learning experience for the public, educating the public about fire prevention and honoring fallen firefighters with a permanent piece of art.

Those interested in learning more about the Bernzomatic "Find Your Fire" Community Grants program are encouraged to visit www.Bernzomatic.com/Grants.

About Bernzomatic
Bernzomatic, a Worthington Industries brand, has been the leader in the blowtorch category since 1876. With a passion for craftsmanship and creation, Bernzomatic believes in providing the right tools and inspiration to take on projects and redefine what you can achieve. Bernzomatic products set the standard in safety, durability and performance, and include handheld torches, fuel cylinders, butane lighters and project accessories that can be used on the job site, in the home and in the hands of those with a desire to create. Find your fire at www.Bernzomatic.com

MEDIA CONTACT
Maureen Murray
Zeno Group for Bernzomatic
[email protected]

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