Mill Steel Co. To Be Honored on National Philanthropy Day

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Nov. 3, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Mill Steel Co., one of the largest flat-rolled steel distributors in the nation, is to be honored by the West Michigan Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals on Tuesday, Nov. 9 -- National Philanthropy Day -- for its long-term partnership with D.A. Blodgett – St. John's Big Brother Big Sister mentoring programs.  

Mill Steel is being honored for the "Outstanding Corporation" category for orchestrating efforts that have grown the number of children being served by the programs to 1,100 during the 2009-2010 season from 285 children in 1997.

Mill Steel has raised more than $1 million for the agency's programs since the beginning of its relationship with D.A. Blodgett for Children more than 14 years ago.

"It's a tremendous honor for Mill Steel and for Susan and I personally to be recognized by a group comprised of people who spend their lives seeking to help others," said David Samrick, president and CEO of Mill Steel Co. "Since the company was created by my father, Harry Samrick, it's always been our philosophy to give back to the community that has given so much to us.

"We've focused our giving on children and education," he said. "We firmly believe that every child should have the chance to fully develop their talents and abilities. It's the only way that we, as a region, can be successful in the future."

Mill Steel in 1996 initiated a partnership with D.A. Blodgett for Children's Big Brother Big Sister mentoring program with the goal of matching more children with adult mentors. The company the following year became the annual title sponsor of the Golf for Kids' Sake event, a major fundraiser for the program. Mill Steel has maintained the role of title sponsor each year since, volunteering staff and leadership to plan the event.

"David Samrick and the generous staff of Mill Steel Company truly understand the positive impact these mentors have in the life of a child, and how a little extra support in a child's life can directly impact the neighborhoods and communities in which they live," said Linda Postma, major gifts director at D.A. Blodgett – St. John's, who nominated Mill Steel for the award. "Because of their support, the number of children we are able to serve annually through this program has grown tremendously."

The Samrick family since 2005 has also provided college scholarships for children served by the D.A. Blodgett – St. John's programs through the Harry H. Samrick Scholarship Fund in honor of David Samrick's father. The scholarship is rewarded to teens nominated by mentors who demonstrate leadership abilities, drive and determination to succeed.

"Mill Steel's passion for giving to those less fortunate is truly deserving of this wonderful award," Postma said.

Mill Steel employees also donate school supplies and back-to-school backpacks for the Agency's annual Backpack and School Supply Drive and several employees also serve as Big Brother, Big Sister mentors.

Mill Steel, and David and Susan Samrick will be recognized at a noon luncheon, Tuesday, Nov. 9 at Prince Conference Center at Calvin College. Tickets for the program are $35, or $25 for the lunch. Online registration is available at www.afpwm.org.

"We look forward to the years ahead and expanding our work with D.A. Blodgett – St. John's," Samrick said. "Our hope is that more people will join us."

About Mill Steel: Mill Steel Co., based in Grand Rapids, Mich., celebrated its 50th year in business in 2009, and remains dedicated to its history of innovation and people-first culture that has made it one of the largest, best-in-class flat-rolled steel products distributors in the Midwest and Southeast U.S., Canada and Mexico. Comprised of 11 production lines and three locations in Grand Rapids and Melvindale (Detroit), Mich., and Birmingham, Ala., Mill Steel serves customers in the automotive, homebuilding and agricultural equipment industries, among others, across North America.

Mill Steel is ranked as one of the best places to work in Michigan, and received the prestigious Alfred P. Sloan Award for business excellence in workplace flexibility by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Twiga Foundation in 2008. The company continues to practice its history of excellence as it grows to meet the needs of an expanding customer base.

For more information about Mill Steel, visit www.millsteel.com.

SOURCE Mill Steel Co.