Bryant Heating & Cooling Dealers of Central Ohio donated o a new Ford Fiesta to the Dress for Success Columbus program, after the non-profit was recognized as a Bryant True Hero. Bryant, a brand founded in Ohio more than a century ago that has grown into a nationally respected heating and cooling solutions provider, partnered with its distributor, The Habegger Corporation, in selecting Dress for Success as a True Hero in the central Ohio region.

The Bryant True Heroes program allows Bryant dealers to give back to their communities by honoring local heroes who work to create stronger communities. In this case, the Bryant distributor has nominated Vicki Bowen Hewes, CEO for Dress for Success Columbus, as well as her staff as True Heroes in the greater Columbus area.

Columbus-based Ricart Ford helped facilitate the donation by selling the automobile at cost to the Bryant dealers of Central Ohio and included a three-year service plan with the purchase.

 “Our mission is to empower underserved women to achieve in work and in life, and the innovative partnership forged between the Habegger Corp. and Bryant has been transformative for our organization and the clients we serve,” said Hewes. “This ground-breaking donation from Bryant and Ricart Ford truly changes the life of the woman and her family. Lack of reliable transportation is a significant barrier to the women we work with and dictates where our clients work, secure child care and access a myriad of other resources. These tremendous supporters coming together to help a woman in need is more than we could have ever dreamed and we are extremely grateful.”

The recipient, Leeza Crosby Edwards, was selected through a needs/impact-based process. She shared her excitement for how this donation will impact her family.

“I am so shocked and grateful! I broke into tears when I learned the news,” Crosby Edwards said. “This is a life-altering gift for me and my family and I want to thank everyone involved for providing this amazing gift.”