Cheryl Sylvester does more for the community than one might think.
Editor’s Note: This story kicks off our bi-weekly series on inspirational individuals in Southeast Ohio.
Alumna Cheryl Sylvester, who is grateful of her time spent at Ohio University, said it’s only natural for her to give back to the community that once gave her everything.
“I got here in 1980 as a student and I never left,” Sylvester said. “This town, this university — actually this whole area — has been wonderful to me, to (my) family and to my friends.”
Sylvester is a volunteer at Stuart’s Opera House, a local historical venue for events and the Athens Foundation, a philanthropic organization in southeastern Ohio. She is also chair of Stuart’s Opera House capital campaign, securing funding for future operations, and chairwoman of Bounty on the Bricks, a “farm-to-table” operation which began last year, benefiting those who are in need of food in the Athens area.
Sylvester is someone who lives to help others, said Susan Urano, executive director for the Athens Foundation.
“(She is) the bubbliest and nicest person you’ll ever meet,” Urano said. “She’s a delight to work with. She takes care of every detail. She motivates people; she is just a whole lot of fun to be around.”
Two years in a row, 2013 and 2014, Sylvester helped raise $75,000 for the Bounty on the Bricks program for food pantries in Ohio. The money was used by 17 food pantries to purchase healthy eating options for their cupboards.
The pantries also used the money to acquire other in-need items, such as refrigerators or coolers.
“Cheryl is awesome,” said Tim Peacock, executive director of Stuart’s Opera House. “She’s an incredible person and has been a huge help. She’s a go-getter; just takes charge of things and she’s great.”
Throughout the years Sylvester has been a part of many organizations and events, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Athens County and the O’Bleness Memorial Hospital Golf Tournament.
“I’ve been blessed with the ability, time and skills to give back,” Sylvester said. “It’s something that I truly believe should be a part of one’s life. In this town it’s enjoyable because people are so giving, and people recognize the needs not just in Athens County but in southeastern Ohio.”
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