Category Archive: In the News

1. The 2017 Chaffin Luhana Foundation, Give Back, Recap

   January 17, 2018 10:25 AM Leave a Comment

   

   This past year, the Chaffin Luhana Foundation was able to give back locally and nationally in many ways. From honoring a student with a scholarship for her outstanding contribution to distracted driving awareness, to giving away over 600 turkeys and trimmings to those in need throughout the Pittsburgh area, the Foundation pushed forward with its mission of Doing Good by Doing Right.

   Anti-Distracted Driving Scholarship

   In March 2017, the Chaffin Luhana Foundation hosted a scholarship essay contest to raise awareness for the dangers of distracted driving.

   After reviewing over 300 essay submissions, the Foundation awarded Karen Sandoval from Aurora, Colorado a $2,000 scholarship to honor her outstanding dedication to the issue of distracted driving. Karen’s essay submission highlighted her experience working with JJ’s Light Foundation, which provides financial support and counseling resources to youth who have lost a parent to distracted driving.  In her essay, Karen wrote about a week-long distracted driving awareness campaign that she helped organize with JJ’s Light Foundation at her high school.

   Hurricane Relief Efforts

   2017 was the worst year for damage and fatalities due to hurricanes since 2005. Florida, Texas, and Puerto Rico were hit the hardest, resulting in hundreds of billions of dollars in damages and hundreds of lives lost.

   To help support ongoing disaster relief efforts, a group of middle school friends from Rye, New York, hosted a local bake sale to raise donations for One America Appeal, a relief effort launched by all five living former American presidents.

   The group of friends raised $750 and the Chaffin Luhana Foundation matched their donation to support hurricane relief.

   Gave Away 600+ Turkeys and Trimmings Throughout Greater Pittsburgh

   To help serve those in need in the Greater Pittsburgh community and to continue honoring our commitment of “Doing Good by Doing Right,” The Chaffin Luhana Foundation, gave away over 600 free turkeys with holiday trimmings to needy families and individuals.

   Our Foundation worked with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, and the Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania to invite those in need to receive a free holiday turkey plus holiday trimmings.

   We also donated surplus turkeys and trimmings to The Crafton Ingram Pantry, The Grandview Church of God, The St. Philip Church, and The St. James Parish.

   
   

   250 Sandwiches for New York City’s Homeless

   Each year, more than 116,000 New Yorkers depend on the city’s shelter system. During the winter and holiday season, homeless shelters are stretched to the max and need as much support as possible.

   In December 2017, the Chaffin Luhana New York team contributed to the organization’s efforts by coming together in our NY offices to make 250 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the homeless. The sandwiches were later donated by One Sandwich at a Time to a New York food shelter. The Foundation also made a financial donation of $250.

   
    

   Donations to 25 Charities Nominated by Chaffin Luhana Team Members

   To continue our ongoing mission of “Doing Good by Doing Right”, during the 2017 holiday season, the Foundation invited Chaffin Luhana team members to nominate a charitable organization of their choosing to receive a $250 donation. The Foundation has done this each of the past 4 years.

   Within one week, 25 donations were made to the nonprofit organizations below in honor of our team members, totaling over $6,000!

   1. Alzheimer’s Association: Greater Pennsylvania Chapter
   2. Ashlie’s Embrace
   3. Bowery Residents Committee
   4. Chester-Newell FISH
   5. Child Find of America
   6. Cribs for Kids
   7. Crisis Center North
   8. DARE New Hampshire
   9. Dress for Success
   10. Forever Home Beagle Rescue
   11. HealingSPACE at YWCA Bergen County
   12. Humane Animal Rescue
   13. Kitten Lady Inc
   14. National Ovarian Cancer Coalition
   15. Operation Smile
   16. Pittsburgh Aviation Animal Rescue Team
   17. PowerMyLearning – New York City Region
   18. Robin Hood
   19. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Pittsburgh
   20. Russell Nesbitt Services, Inc.
   21. Satchels of Caring Foundation
   22. South Hills Pet Rescue
   23. Suzie’s Pride Big Cat Sanctuary
   24. The Miracle League of the South Hills
   25. Unidos c/o Hispanic Federation

   We’d like to give a special thanks to our dedicated team, the students, the organizations, and everyone else who made all of this possible. With your help, we were able to support thousands of families and individuals across the country and show that we stand by our mission of Doing Good by Doing Right. Every day. In everything we do.

2. Chaffin Luhana Foundation Supports NYC Shelter by Making 250 Sandwiches

   December 21, 2017 11:45 AM Leave a Comment

   

   On December 19, 2017, the Chaffin Luhana Foundation hosted a sandwich-making event for the homeless at our New York office to give back to the local community.

   Why sandwiches? Because homeless shelters need them. They’re easy and convenient, and basic enough that most people enjoy them. Shelters can give them out to residents for their lunches, and in New York, our shelters are in dire need of help. According to the New York Daily News, in 2015, the city’s homeless population reached 60,000.

   Homeless Population in New York is Rising

   Part of the problem is the city’s housing crisis, which has sent a growing number of families to shelters. The Bowery Mission, which has served homeless and hungry New Yorkers since 1879, notes that during the course of each year, more than 116,000 different homeless New Yorkers, including more than 42,000 children, sleep in the shelter system. That stretches these shelters to the max, and they need help.

   New York’s shelter population is 10 times the size of other big cities’, and has been growing rapidly over the past several years. With rent costs skyrocketing, more and more families are unable to leave the shelters, and end up staying much longer than they used to.

   In March 2016, the New York Daily News reported that the number of families with children in city shelters had been rising for months. Yet the shelter system was already strained, with some shelters so overcrowded the city had to resort to using hotels to accommodate people.

   
   

   Chaffin Luhana Gets Together to Feed the Hungry

   The situation makes it clear that the homeless need our help, and the Chaffin Luhana team has been pitching in where we can. Over Thanksgiving, the Chaffin Luhana Foundation gave away over 600 free turkeys with trimmings from our Pittsburgh offices to the Greater Pittsburgh area. With the Christmas season approaching, we wanted to give back to the community at our New York office too, so we chose to partner with “One Sandwich at a Time.”

   This non-profit organization helps feed hungry New Yorkers every day. Founder Erin Dinan tells the story that inspired her to start this project: She was hurrying to her train one day when she stopped for a sandwich. As she headed for the platform, a homeless man asked her for money. She gave him half her sandwich instead, and she was touched by his gratitude. She realized that something so simple –a  sandwich– that most of us take for granted could be something wonderful to a homeless individual.

   Erin started making more sandwiches that day, and soon she and a friend created One Sandwich at a Time, which has now helped feed over 100,000 hungry New Yorkers.

   Doing Good by Doing Right. Every Day. In Everything We Do.

   On December 19, 2017, Chaffin Luhana team members contributed to the organization’s efforts by coming together in our NY offices to make 250 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. The sandwiches were donated by One Sandwich at a Time to a New York food shelter. Like our turkey giveaway, the experience was fun and gratifying, and helped us all feel that we were giving back to the community during the holiday season.

   “It felt so great to make some simple sandwiches, knowing they would be given to needy individuals and families within a few hours” said team member and Office Manager, Stephanie Murdough. “It didn’t take a lot of our time or effort, but it was rewarding realizing that these sandwiches were going to those who really needed them. I’m thrilled to be a part of a law firm that chooses to ‘do good by doing right’ by giving back to the community.”

   If you’d like to host your own sandwich-making event or contribute to One Sandwich at a time, please see their website.

   

3. Chaffin Luhana Foundation Provides Turkeys and Trimmings to Greater Pittsburgh

   November 20, 2017 9:42 AM Leave a Comment

   As most of us look forward to spending some quality time with our families over a nice warm meal this holiday season, I can’t help but think about those who are unable to do the same.

   Economical ups and downs have made it difficult for many households to make ends meet. In addition, Allegheny County has over 270,000 residents who are aged 60 and older, and many of those are disabled veterans.

   Pennsylvania actually has the 4^th largest veteran’s population in the country, and Allegheny County is home to over 86,000 veterans. Unfortunately, 11.8 percent of those between the ages of 18 and 34 live below the poverty line, and nearly 60,000 of veterans living in Pennsylvania need help buying food.

   According to recent U.S. Census reports, 12.2 percent of Allegheny County is below the poverty line. The Brookings Institute recently reported that the city of Pittsburgh’s poverty level is improving. Overall, the poverty rate decreased from 23.0 percent to 19.2 percent.

   To help serve those in need in the community and to continue honoring our commitment of “Doing Good by Doing Right,” The Chaffin Luhana Foundation, on Veterans Day gave away over 600 free turkeys with holiday trimmings to needy families and individuals in Pittsburgh.

   Chaffin Luhana LLP is a member of Injury Board, which is an international association of trial attorneys working together to make a difference in their local communities. Each year, Injury Board members from more than 100 plaintiff law firms come together as part of a nationwide community outreach initiative called the “Injury Board Day of Action” to give back to their local communities.

   
   

   Law Firm Enjoys the Magic of Giving Back to the Community

   Roopal and I both came from working class families, so I know that at any time, life can change, and people can end up in difficult situations they just can’t control. I feel that we owe it to our friends and families and the community to do what we can to help.

   The Chaffin Luhana Foundation is a not-for-profit organization launched by myself and my founding partner Roopal Luhana to support and uplift those who are struggling to overcome significant challenges in life. Our efforts through the Foundation are some of our most rewarding, and this event was no exception. Many of our staff members came together to volunteer their time and commented on how good it felt to contribute and give back to our community in this way.

   “The whole idea was to give back to those in need,” Roopal said, “but whenever you get actively involved like this, both the givers, and the receivers are blessed. We experienced that magic at the event last weekend.”

   Thirty volunteers from the firm and local organizations pitched in to help, and I’m grateful to every one of them.

   Doing Good by Doing Right. Every Day. In Everything We Do.

   Our Foundation worked with the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, the Allegheny County Department of Human Services, the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, and the Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania to invite those in need to receive a free holiday turkey plus holiday trimmings.

    

   We also donated surplus turkeys and trimmings to The Crafton Ingram Pantry, The Grandview Church of God, The St. Philip Church, and The St. James Parish.

   We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh, Green Tree; the Green Tree Volunteer Fire Company; and the Green Tree Borough Police Department for their help with this event.

   It feels great to reach out and help our neighbors and friends in the Greater Pittsburgh area. If you think about it, you realize that any one of us could be in their shoes. We can all do more. We just need to be willing to take action.

    

   Event Photos:

                            

4. 2017 Thanksgiving Turkey & Sides Giveaway

   November 6, 2017 10:19 AM Leave a Comment

   

   700+ Free Turkeys With Holiday Trimmings Will Be Distributed

   *This event has ended. Thank you to everyone who volunteered and attended!*

   DATE: Saturday, November 11, 2017

   TIME: 11:00AM – 2:00PM

   LOCATION: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Pittsburgh (Rear Upper-Level Parking Lot) – 500 Mansfield Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15205 (Green Tree) – Map below

   *You must present the original voucher to receive your Free Turkey with Holiday Trimmings. Photocopies will not be accepted. Only one Voucher per household can be redeemed. No exceptions.

   At Chaffin Luhana, we are committed to Doing Good By Doing Right ™ and giving back to the communities we serve. Thanksgiving is a time for families and individuals to enjoy a holiday meal. To do our part in making this Holiday Season special, The Chaffin Luhana Foundation will be holding our first Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway on Saturday, November 11 from 11AM to 2PM in the rear parking lot of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel located at 500 Mansfield Avenue, Pittsburgh – Green Tree. Over 700 free turkeys with holiday trimmings will be distributed to everyone presenting a Turkey Voucher.

   The Chaffin Luhana Foundation is working closely with The Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank, Allegheny County Department of Human Services, United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania, and The Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania to invite those who are in need during this holiday season.

   In previous years, Chaffin Luhana and The Chaffin Luhana Foundation has given back to the local communities by contributing support and donations to various non-profits including:

   • Ronald McDonald House (Pittsburgh and New York), which provides support to families with sick and injured children.
   • Habitat for Humanity, which builds homes with community volunteers and gives local residents a place they can call home.
   • Joseph’s Soup Kitchen, which serves 400-500 meals every Saturday to NYC’s homeless and hungry.
   • NY Cares Annual Coat Drive, which collects and distributes over 100,000 winter coats to families who would otherwise risk making it through winter without one.
   • Newtown Kindness, which teaches school children and others to think kindly and act boldly.

   Every day, Chaffin Luhana demonstrates compassion and is dedicated to making a difference in peoples’ lives. “We are extremely proud to bring our staff together to help individuals and families throughout the Pittsburgh area during this holiday season,” said Eric T. Chaffin, Founding Partner. “As a firm serving individuals, we want to extend our level of service beyond our work to give back to those in need,” added Roopal Luhana, Founding Partner.

   Chaffin Luhana is a member of Injury Board, which is an international association of trial attorneys working together to make a difference in their local communities. Each year, Injury Board members from more than 100 plaintiff law firms come together as part of a nationwide community outreach initiative called the Injury Board Day of Action to give back to their local communities.

   Event Location: Use entrance located on Andersen Drive and enter the rear Upper Level Parking Area of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel.
   

   Map & Directions:
   

5. CLF Supports Middle School Students with Hurricane Relief Efforts

   October 30, 2017 9:04 AM Leave a Comment

   

   According to Time magazine, the death toll from hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, was at least 103, with an estimated $200 billion in damages. That makes 2017 the worst year for hurricanes since Katrina and friends (including Dennis and Rita) blew through in 2005.

   In the wake of the devastation, Americans have come together to help. Former Presidents and big companies like Apple and Verizon have made headlines pledging millions to the disaster relief, but it’s not only corporations that are pitching in. A small group of middle school students in Rye, New York, recently came up with their own way to contribute.

   Middle School Students Bake to Raise Funds for Hurricane Relief

   Mira Chaffin and her friends—Olivia, Katie, Alexis, and Skye—were moved by the struggles they saw playing out in the news as the hurricanes passed through Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico. It was tempting to feel helpless since they were so far away, but they refused to do nothing, and put their heads together to form a plan.

   What could they do? Their end goal was to raise money they could send to “One America Appeal,” a relief effort launched by all five living former American presidents. “America’s at her best when against all odds, we come together and lift each other up,” said former President Bill Clinton on a joint video put out by the five former Presidents.

   The girls admired what the presidents were doing, and wanted to participate. As middle school students, though, they didn’t have much of their own money to give. That meant they needed to raise it, somehow. As they discussed how they could do that, one thing came up they could all agree one—everyone loves yummy treats and slime!

   So, they decided they would bake treats and make a bunch of slime to sell. When they had them ready, they ran a bake sale and slime sale, offering brownies, cupcakes, cookies, and other various treats, as well as lemonade and slime punches and juices, which were particularly popular among their peers in the community.

   The students took in a total of $750, and were excited to turn around and give the entire amount to One America Appeal.

   Chaffin Luhana Foundation Matches Bake Sale Total

   Eric Chaffin, co-founder of Chaffin Luhana, the Chaffin Luhana Foundation, and proud father of one of the students, Mira Chaffin, watched the girls’ efforts, and was amazed at the work they put into the project.

   “These girls spent hours in the kitchen making these goods, and then more time and effort putting together and carrying off the sale,” he said. “And they did it all without concern for personal gain. This was all about helping others, and participating in a countrywide effort to assist our fellow citizens. My wife Katherine and I were so proud of them—we all were—so of course we wanted to match their efforts.”

   The Chaffin Luhana Foundation matched the $750 the girls raised, and sent the total to One America Appeal. Families of the other girls are also making donations. They encourage others to give what they can to this worthy cause, as there is still so much to do.

   As of the beginning of October, more than half of Puerto Rico was still without drinking water, and only five percent had electric power. Texas mayors in the communities most affected by Harvey say recovery will take several years, and in Florida, though most people have recovered power, houses, apartment buildings and motels lie in ruins.

   “You can’t change the reality and the reality is we were hit with two Category 5 hurricanes in 12 days,” said U.S. Virgin Islands Lieutenant Governor Osbert Potter. “It is a painful reality, but we have to look for the silver lining as we move forward and rebuild.”

   Photos From the Bake Sale

   

6. Winner of The 2017 CLF National Anti-Distracted Driving Scholarship Essay Contest

   March 29, 2017 12:23 PM Leave a Comment

   ---

   Our phones have taken over. Every day, even in this very second, a teenager is driving while distracted on their phone. Twitter. Facebook. Instagram. Texting. And the social media app that has officially taken over: Snapchat. I attend Rangeview High School, which is located in the zip code area with the highest incidences of distracted teen driving accidents in Colorado. Shocking? Absolutely, and probably because no one talks about this. In fact, when I shared this statistic with the administrators in my school, their jaws dropped in disbelief. Driving distracted does not include just being on your phone–it’s alcohol, drugs, music, sleep deprivation, speeding, and even a passenger in your car. As teens gain more experience driving, they often think they are great drivers and indestructible, but as it is seen in the statistics for 80013, that is not the case. Because of this shocking information, my friends in JJ’s Light and I decided that it was time to bring awareness to our school.

   JJ’s Light is a non-profit organization in which I am both a proud member and secretary. It is a foundation that awards grants to children who have recently lost a parent in order to financially support their extracurricular activities. JJ’s Light was founded because my friend lost her father in a car accident. Her father fell asleep behind the wheel, and for this reason, the organization means a lot to me. This issue of distracted driving goes way beyond teens. By educating the youth now and forcing them to face the harsh realization of what a collision can entail, they can make better life decisions behind the wheel in the future. I care so much about this issue because I am tired of watching videos on Snapchat of my friends driving while lip syncing to the radio and putting their lives in danger. I don’t want us to be just another statistic. I want us to change the statistics.

   With JJ’s Light, we stirred up the conversation of distracted driving in my school. At the beginning of the second semester we held a distracted driving campaign which was a week-long event called Teens Behind the Wheel. With this campaign, we communicated the importance of responsible driving across to many people. We presented for our school’s principal, deans, and administrators in order to get permission to proceed with our project and worked closely with our sponsors and mentors. During the first week of January, our entire school experienced class presentations featuring hard facts, emotional videos, and personal stories. We separated each grade and presented during assemblies with power points made directly for their specific class and age range. We wanted to target their specific age group in order for them to personally relate to the issue at hand. For freshmen and sophomores, we focused on educating them on speaking up if the driver is distracted, especially since most of them are passengers in the cars of upperclassmen. For juniors and seniors, we targeted the fact that they are now driving, but have to be responsible in order to save their own lives, and the lives of others. Driving simulators were set up during lunch to show the impact alcohol and cellphone use can have on driving. At the end of the week, we held a live event with a Flight For Life helicopter, ambulances, police, and fire trucks to simulate a collision and show the reality of a fatal accident. It was a very surreal event that has had a lasting impact on the students at my school.

   I believe if every school held a distracted driving campaign, it would be a huge step towards putting an end to distracted driving. Using what I have learned through this experience, I can apply this and take it with me to other chapters in my life, including college. The resources I have acquired through this project, and the knowledge I have gained in order to make campaigns like this happen will follow me wherever I go. I will continue to advocate safe driving, and using the steps and processes I went through with JJ’s Light, I will expand this distracted driving event to different schools and campuses. The issue of distracted driving is universal, and with this event, we started making a difference and opened the eyes of students, and I hope to bring this awareness to different age groups in the near future.

   I currently attend Rangeview High School as a senior, and will attend Colorado State University starting in the fall of 2017. I will be studying Psychology and hope to eventually get a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy.

   ---

    

7. Paralympian Gold Medalist Stephani Victor to Speak at Taylor Allderdice to Help End Distracted Driving

   April 12, 2016 7:44 PM Leave a Comment

   WHAT:

   Juniors and seniors at Pittsburgh Allderdice High School will be given a dose of reality Wednesday when it comes to the dangers of distracted driving. In observation of Distracted Driving Awareness Month this April, Paralympian Stephani Victor, the spokesperson for the Chaffin Luhana Foundation, and foundation founder Eric Chaffin will bring their compelling presentation on the dangers of distracted driving to over 700 students. An internationally renowned public speaker and four time gold winning Olympic skiier, Victor lost her legs due to a distracted driver 20 years ago.

   During the first half of 2015 an estimated 16,225 people in the US died in crashes due to distracted driving – an increase of almost 10% from the first half of 2014. And even more troubling, according to statistics released by the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts, Allegheny County holds the state record for the highest number of distracted driving citations.

   After the presentation, students will be taking the pledge not to be a distracted driver and asked to create a compelling essay on distracted driving’s danger for the chance to be awarded a
   $2500 educational scholarship.

   WHEN:

   Wednesday, April 13th at 11:00am

   WHERE:

   Pittsburgh Allderdice High School, 2409 Shady Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15217 Media can park on Nicholson Street Entrance and enter side auditorium door

   WHO:

   More than 700 juniors and seniors of Taylor Allderdice High School Paralympian Athlete Stephani Victor
   Chaffin Luhana Foundation Founder Eric Chaffin Taylor Allderdice Principal Melissa Friez

   PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:

   Hundreds of students will sign a pledge to not be a distracted driver. Chaffin and Victor will pass out information on a significant scholarship to be awarded on submission of a creative essay on why not to be a distracted driver.

   About Stephani Victor

   At age 26, Stephani suffered horrific injuries in a car accident, robbing her of both legs. She became a Paralympic downhill skier, winning five medals in three Paralympic Winter Games, including the first-ever Gold in Super Combined and two Silvers in Vancouver in 2010. She also participated in the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games. www.stephanivictor.com

   About Eric Chaffin

   A founding partner of the Chaffin Luhana law firm, Eric Chaffin is a litigator admitted to practice in New York, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. He exclusively represents personal injury victims, consumers, whistleblowers and shareholders in state and federal trial courts and appellate courts across the country. He is a former federal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New York and prosecuted white collar cases including the high-profile Computer Associates International and Symbol Technologists accounting and securities fraud prosecutions (over $1.2 billion and $200 million, respectively).

8. Paralympian Stephani Victor and Oak Glen Grad Eric Chaffin Bring Home Dynamic Message to End Distracted Driving

   April 7, 2016 7:18 PM Leave a Comment

   WHAT:

   The statistics are grim: motor vehicle accidents caused by distracted driving kill thousands of people and have injured more than 387,000. Texting, talking on a cell phone, and other distractions put everyone at risk – especially young drivers who are less experienced behind the wheel. But surveys show drivers don’t take distracted driving seriously enough.
   In observation of Distracted Driving Awareness Month this April, New York based trial lawyer Eric Chaffin, a 1989 graduate of Oak Glen High School whose foundation donated $25,000 to create the school’s media center, and Paralympian Stephani Victor, the spokesperson for the Chaffin Luhana Foundation, will bring their compelling presentation on the dangers of risky driving to Oak Glen students. Students will take the pledge on site, vowing not to be a distracted driver.
   An internationally renowned motivational speaker, Stephani is known for delivering raw, authentic and deeply moving presentations that motivate and challenge her audiences. Her way of genuinely listening and connecting with people to inspire them to move forward “is an unparalleled trait that I do not see in most people,” says Eric Chaffin, who has dealt with many tragedies including working with victims of the 9/11 attacks.

   WHEN:

   Tuesday, April 12, 2016, at 1:15 p.m.

   WHERE:

   “Little Theatre,” Oak Glen High School, 195 Golden Bear Drive, New Cumberland, WV 26047

   WHO:

   Eric Chaffin

   A founding partner of the Chaffin Luhana law firm, Eric Chaffin is a litigator admitted to practice in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. He exclusively represents personal injury victims, consumers, whistleblowers and shareholders in state and federal trial courts and appellate courts across the country. He is a former federal prosecutor in the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New York and prosecuted white collar cases including the high-profile Computer Associates International and Symbol Technologists accounting and securities fraud prosecutions (over $1.2 billion and $200 million, respectively).

   PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:
   Many students will sign a pledge to not be a distracted driver. Chaffin and Victor will pass out information on a significant scholarship to be awarded on submission of creative essay on why not to be a distracted driver.

   Stephani Victor

   At age 26, Stephani suffered horrific injuries in a car accident, robbing her of both legs. She became a Paralympic downhill skier, winning five medals in three Paralympic Winter Games, including the first-ever Gold in Super Combined and two Silvers in Vancouver in 2010. She also participated in the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games.

   About the Chaffin Luhana Foundation

   The Chaffin Luhana Foundation, established in 2010, encourages the development of human potential and supports community empowerment through the endowment of funds to deserving recipients, the creation of community-based enrichment projects, and the support of important scientific research that meaningfully impacts the under-privileged and sick in society. For more information, please visit chaffinluhanafoundation.org. The foundation recently donated $25,000 to create Oak Glen’s media center.

9. Dedication & Grand Opening of the Chaffin Luhana Foundation Media Centers as Phase One Continues at Oak Glen High School

   September 25, 2015 4:17 PM Leave a Comment

   It has been an incredibly busy summer for the Oak Glen Media team members as they worked to bring Phase 1 of the Chaffin Luhana Foundation Media Centers to fruition. Now all of that hard work is ready to be displayed and open to the public.

   In May 2015, the Foundation, founded by Chaffin Luhana partners Eric Chaffin and Roopal Luhana, and their families, made a $25,000 donation to create the broadcast and media centers. At that time, local media were invited to Oak Glen High School for a press conference, where plans for the broadcast and media centers were announced. At the beginning of the 2015-2016 school year in August, the new media centers opened to the students and staff.

   Phase 1 goals for the Chaffin Luhana Foundation Media Centers included, remodeling the library, updating database subscriptions and reference collections, educating staff and faculty on media center practices and more.

   Those behind the hard work and progress are the Oak Glen media team members, comprised of Lissa Dulick and Morgan Martin, English teachers at Oak Glen High School, Oak Glen High School Principal Dave Smith, Assistant Principal Carla Carinci-Bell, Ted Arneault, History, Government and Psychology teacher, and Julie Zoellers, Math and Technology teacher.

   Principal Dave Smith is pleased with the progress and is looking forward to the time when all of the training and technology is installed and completed.

   “Oak Glen High School and our students are very appreciative of the generous donation from the Chaffin Luhana Foundation. The opportunities that our Media & Broadcast Centers will provide for all of our students is limitless. We will continue to push forward to provide college and career readiness skills to all that walk the halls of Oak Glen High School,” Mr. Smith said.
   Chaffin Luhana Partner Eric Chaffin, a 1989 graduate of Oak Glen High School, is looking forward to viewing the progress of the Chaffin Luhana Foundation Media Centers.

   “We are really excited to see the progress with the media centers. Dave and the teachers at Oak Glen really care about the future of these kids, and providing them with the best opportunities possible. The media centers will help enable the kids to enhance their computer science and media skills in a fast growing technology environment and we are excited to be able to contribute to their futures,” Mr. Chaffin said.

   Check out some coverage from our local media:

    

   CLF Media Center-The Review

    

   Hometown News Article-Chaffin Luhana Foundation Media Center

10. Foundation Donates $25,000 to Oak Glen High School For New Chaffin Luhana Foundation Media Center

    May 21, 2015 3:36 PM Leave a Comment

    The Chaffin Luhana Foundation donated $25,000 to Oak Glen High School in New Cumberland, WV for new media centers. On Wednesday, May 20th, 2015, a press conference was held at the high school informing the public and local media about the plans for the media center and how the donation will go towards bringing the plans into fruition.

    Chaffin Luhana Partners Eric Chaffin and Roopal Luhana are excited at the chance to give back to the community and advance the learning environment for students at Oak Glen High School. The Chaffin Luhana Foundation and the Chaffin Luhana law firm were founded on the principle of “Doing Good by Doing Right.” Donating to a great cause such as the media center at Oak Glen brings that principle to life.

    Lissa Dulick and Morgan Martin, English teachers at Oak Glen High School, are heading up the media center project along with Oak Glen High School Principal Dave Smith, Assistant Principal Carla Carinci-Bell, Ted Arneault, History, Government and Psychology teacher, and Julie Zoellers, Math and Technology teacher.

    The center, to be named “The Chaffin Luhana Foundation Media Center” will help create an environment for students and staff to encourage learning and provide resources to help further their education. In the first year, the media team plans to remodel the space, including new flooring, furniture and changing the overall layout. Database subscriptions will be updated, as well as reference, fiction and non-fiction sources. Team members also plan on making purchases towards wireless internet and a mobile lab among other improvements.

    The first phase of the media centers will open in the fall of 2015. A grand opening and dedication is being planned for late summer, when the media center opens.

    The Review-Oak Glen Media Center

    OurHometownNews-Oak Glen Media Center