(Columbus, Ohio) – 2nd & 7, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting reading by providing free books and positive role models to kids in need while encouraging young athletes to pay it forward, is proud to announce two new three-year partnerships that will significantly expand its impact across Central Ohio and strengthen programs nationwide.
Diamond Hill, a First Eagle Investments company has committed to serving as the presenting sponsor of the Columbus Kids’ Book Bank, while Columbia Gas of Ohio and the NiSource Charitable Foundation will serve as the presenting sponsor of 2nd & 7’s Role Model Reading Program.
These strategic investments will help 2nd & 7 continue to tackle illiteracy by increasing access to books and strengthening meaningful connections between young readers and student-athlete role models.
“We are incredibly grateful to Diamond Hill, Columbia Gas of Ohio, and the NiSource Charitable Foundation for their continued belief in our mission,” said Alissa Harle Janice, Executive Director of 2nd & 7. “These organizations have been an integral part of our story for many years and have made a meaningful impact in Central Ohio. We’re excited to expand these partnerships in a way that allows us to deepen our impact and reach even more children across the country.”
The Columbus Kids’ Book Bank, which opened in 2023, serves as a central hub for collecting and distributing new and gently used children’s books throughout Central Ohio. Since its opening, it has distributed more than 180,000 books to children, educators, schools, families, and community organizations. With Diamond Hill’s support, the Book Bank will continue to scale its reach, ensuring more children have books of their own to build home libraries and foster a love of reading.
“Access to books is foundational to a child’s success,” said Tom Line, Chief Financial Officer at Diamond Hill and 2nd & 7 board member. “We are honored to support 2nd & 7 and the Columbus Kids’ Book Bank and help expand opportunities for literacy and learning in our community.”
Through the Role Model Reading Program, student-athletes from high schools and universities visit second-grade classrooms to read aloud, share personal experiences, and reinforce important life lessons. Each child receives a free Hog Mollies book, written by 2nd & 7, encouraging them to continue reading at home while building confidence and character.
Since its founding in 1999, 2nd & 7 has distributed over 1.2 million Hog Mollies books and implemented nearly 500+ reading programs across 36 states. The partnership with Columbia Gas of Ohio and the NiSource Charitable Foundation will ensure the continued growth and sustainability of this signature program.
“We are proud to support 2nd & 7 and its Role Model Reading Program,” said Bob Heidorn, President and COO of Columbia Gas of Ohio and 2nd & 7 board member. “By combining literacy with student-athlete mentorship, it creates lasting impact not only for second-grade students, but also for the student-athletes, teaching them the importance of paying it forward and strengthening the future of our communities.”
Together, these partnerships will strengthen both book access and mentorship opportunities, helping ensure more children have the resources and support they need to succeed.
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About 2nd & 7
2nd & 7 was founded in 1999 by former Ohio State University football teammates Luke Fickell, Ryan Miller, and Mike Vrabel. The mission of 2nd & 7 is to promote reading by providing free books and positive role models to kids in need while encouraging young athletes in the community to pay it forward. Through its programs, including the Role Model Reading Program and the Columbus Kids’ Book Bank, 2nd & 7 continues to make a meaningful impact by improving literacy and creating access to books for children across the country.
For more information, visit www.secondandseven.com.
About Diamond Hill
Diamond Hill, a First Eagle Investments company, is a valuation-disciplined boutique asset manager focused on institutional-oriented investors. We are fiercely committed to generating excellent, long-term investment outcomes and building enduring partnerships. We accomplish this through our shared investment principles and client alignment philosophy. Our active, capacity-constrained and differentiated strategies span four key asset classes—US equity, international equity, alternatives and fixed income—in a range of vehicles that best meet our clients’ needs.
About Columbia Gas of Ohio
Columbia Gas of Ohio delivers clean, dependable and efficient natural gas to approximately 1.5 million customers across the state. With headquarters in Columbus, it is the largest natural gas utility in Ohio. Columbia Gas of Ohio is one of six regulated utility companies of NiSource (NYSE: NI), one of the largest fully-regulated utility companies in the United States. NiSource employees are focused on our mission to deliver safe, reliable energy that drives value to our customers, and guided by our vision to be an innovative and trusted energy partner. More information about Columbia Gas of Ohio and NiSource, including its goal of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions from its operations by 2040, is available at www.ColumbiaGasOhio.com and www.NiSource.com.
About the NiSource Charitable Foundation
The NiSource Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and serves as the charitable arm for NiSource Inc. and its companies operating under the NIPSCO and Columbia Gas brands. The Foundation’s mission is to create strong and sustainable communities where our employees and customers live and work. The Foundation lives up to its mission by providing charitable grants to nonprofit organizations and by encouraging employee volunteerism. Learn more at www.NiSource.com/Foundation.
Contact:
Alissa Harle Janice
Executive Director
alissa@secondandseven.com
