WESTERVILLE, Ohio – The Ohio Nursery and Landscape Association (ONLA) and its membership completed a project on Oct. 7 for the Ogbuji family. Tragically, in December of 2007, the family lost their three young daughters in a house fire, and with the lapse of their homeowner’s insurance, lost their home as well.
With the help of neighbors, the community, donated services and their own money, Chimezie and Roschelle Ogbuji were able to rebuild their home. But, despite their best efforts, the family, with the new arrival of their baby girl, could not afford to landscape the property. In the months of construction, the lawn had been destroyed and the backyard needed to be leveled.
“The ONLA and our members were willing to help in whatever way we could. It was a heart-warming experience to witness the collaboration and community effort take place at that home. I am proud to be a part of an industry where the individual desire to help others is channeled through the businesses. The ONLA sends best wishes to the Ogbuji family, and sincere gratitude to our members who volunteered time and expertise and donated materials for this project,” said Roni Petersen, ONLA membership and certification coordinator.
The following ONLA member companies and individuals volunteered time, effort, and material to make the Ogbuji’s property a beautiful one on Wednesday, October 7, 2009.
- Willoway Nurseries (Avon) donated plant material
- Wheeler Landscaping (Chagrin Falls) donated the landscape design
- Auburn Career Center (Concord Township) students and teachers donated installation services
- Brickman (Garfield Heights) donated installation services
- Buckeye Resources (South Charleston) donated mulch
- Kurtz Bros. (Independence) donated topsoil and lime screen
- Mason Steel (Walton Hills) donated pavers
- Medina Sod Farm (Orrville) donated sod
- Fullmer’s Landscaping (Dayton) donated brick material
“Not only are we celebrating the renewal of our future, but also the celebration of our past. Today is the birthday of Anya, the youngest of our children who passed away, and this is the best birthday party we could have asked for,” Roschelle Ogbuji says.