DIY expert Nicole Curtis partners with Bernzomatic to launch "Find Your Fire" Community Grants Program
Nationwide initiative calls on people to transform their communities with more than $40,000 in grant support
Columbus, Ohio (Oct. 22, 2015) – Bernzomatic®, the industry leader in handheld torches since 1876, believes in putting its skills and tools to good use to help people and communities find their fire. To put words into action, the brand announced today the launch of the Bernzomatic Find Your Fire Community Grants program, an initiative that will award grant support to motivated people who may lack the resources or tools needed to bring community revitalization projects to life.
With the helping hands of Nicole Curtis–a TV home rehab expert known for restoring buildings to their former glory–the program invites participants from across the country to nominate a project that uses a blowtorch and will make a difference in their communities. Winners will receive financial grants, a variety of Bernzomatic products and a visit from Curtis to help complete the job.
“Whether cleaning up a neighborhood playground or restoring a local landmark, people across the country are passionate about doing good deeds in their communities,” said Curtis. “I know firsthand the impact projects like these have on neighborhoods, but unfortunately, they sometimes never get off the ground due to financial constraints. I’m proud to partner with Bernzomatic to launch a program that aims to help people ignite their passion and creativity for the greater good.”
Through Dec. 7, interested participants are encouraged to nominate projects by visiting Bernzomatic.com/Grants. Ten finalists will be selected, and America will vote for their favorite project online. The three finalists with the most votes will receive $10,000 and the Bernzomatic tools neded to bring their projects to life; and the submission with the most overall votes will be also be awarded a special visit from Curtis. The seven remaining finalists will each receive a $1,500 grant and complimentary Bernzomatic products.
To kick off the program, Bernzomatic will work with Rebuilding Together, a leading national nonprofit in safe and healthy housing, on a special project in Staten Island, as the community continues to rebuild from Hurricane Sandy during the three year anniversary of the storm. Along with volunteers from Rebuilding Together, Bernzomatic and Lowe’s, Curtis will assist with repairs that are needed at a local community center for artists and makers called Staten Island MakerSpace. Work will include new flooring, paint and construction, which will allow the space to better serve the creative public and visiting school children and aid the social recovery of the community.
“We are honored to be working with the people of Staten Island to rehab a space dedicated to providing the community with a creative outlet–something we believe in wholeheartedly at Bernzomatic,” said Jennifer Fening, Bernzomatic spokesperson. “We realize there are places like this all over the country that need help as well. Everyone deserves an extra set of hands to help build a better future, and with the Find Your Fire Community Grants program, we hope to provide just that.”
Projects nominated must require the use of a Bernzomatic blowtorch–interested participants are encouraged to view the official rules at 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.