From providing guidance at Ashland University for young aspiring professionals to volunteering through Meals-on-Wheels, you will always find members of the River Tree Wealth Management team dedicated to helping people in the central Ohio community. Listed below are of a few of the ways we offer our support.
Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation
Alex's Lemonade Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) changes the lives of children with cancer by funding research, raising awareness and supporting families to help cure childhood cancer. In 2012, Northwestern Mutual launched its signature national philanthropic program to support ALSF in their mission. The River Tree Wealth team participates in an annual Golf Outing at Jefferson Country Club and other events to raise money and awareness supporting the cause in alignment with Northwestern Mutual.
Ashland University
Ashland University is Shawn Phelps’ alma matter. Since its inception in 1878, Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio carries a rich tradition as a top-tier, private, Christian institution that greatly emphasizes the importance of each individual. Shawn serves on the Busines Advisory Council to the College of Business and Economics, providing advice and support to the dean in order to help the college achieve its forward-moving goals and ensure the success of each student. They build and sustain a strong foundation for the collaboration and communication between the business community and the college. In 2019, Shawn was inducted into Ashland's Entrepreneur Hall of Fame!
Camp Wyandot
Camp Wyandot is an independent, 501c3 serving youth and families in Ohio since 1913. Their mission is to provide an inclusive, nurturing environment for youth to have fun, make friends, serve others, and explore the great outdoors while educating on the importance of nature and conservation. Brandee Wyzlic is a supportive advocate of this organization.
Central Ohio Greyhound Rescue
Central Ohio Greyhound Rescue (COGR) is a racing neutral organization whose mission is to promote greyhound adoption in the Central Ohio area. Since there are no greyhound tracks in Ohio, COGR works with groups in other states such as Florida, West Virginia, and Kansas to acquire retired greyhounds. COGR also helps foster and place injured retired racers that have been treated through The Ohio State University Veterinary Hospital’s “4 Legs 4 Hounds” program. Between the track and their new homes, their local greyhounds live in foster homes where families help them learn the facts of home life and become familiar with the personality of each dog. COGR attempts to match a dog’s temperament to the lifestyle of the prospective adopters as much as possible to make permanent, happy placements. Matt and Julie Beeghley adopted their beloved Minnie from COGR.
Columbus Australian Rules Football Club
Columbus Australian Rules Football Club is an Australian rules football club based in Columbus, Ohio. They feature a men's team and a women's team that both compete in the United States Australian Football League. Matt Beeghley and Eric Politz have been board members, coaches, umpires, and players for the club since 2009.
Licking Valley Athletic Boosters
The Licking Valley Athletic Boosters is a nonprofit organization that supports all middle and high school student athlete sporting events in the Licking Valley school system. Shawn Phelps serves as a committee member for the Licking Valley Athletic Boosters and a volunteer for the Licking Valley Gridiron Association for their Coach’s Corner events. Shawn played football at Newark High School as an offensive left tackle, then played college football at Wittenberg University and then was able to coach football for Licking Valley Biddy Football where his sons now participate in sports through the school. Justin Fickes is also actively involved with the organization.
LifeCare Alliance
Founded in 1898 as Central Ohio's first in-home health care agency, LifeCare Alliance is an organization that soon emerged as a national leader for promoting health and independence to nourish the human spirit. They assist older adults or medically challenged residents with programs like Meals-on-Wheels, which delivers thousands of meals each day. Many members of the team have volunteered to deliver meals for this program during the holidays.
Merion Village Association
The Mission of the Merion Village Association is to create a safe, clean and friendly place to live by implementing ideas, events and strategies that are for the good of all residents, businesses and visitors, while maintaining the historical value of the neighborhood. The Merion Village Association is a very active civic organization that, in addition to getting together monthly to discuss ideas, issues, events and changes related to their community. Matt and Julie Beeghley live in Merion Village and support the association’s mission.
Mid Ohio Food Bank
Mid Ohio Food Bank is the largest food bank in Ohio, collecting and distributing an impressive amount of food. The organization acts as a hub for caring people who want to give back with their time, talent and treasure. Their mission is end hunger one nourishing meal at a time while co-creating communities where everyone thrives. At least once a year, team members have the opportunity to spend a paid day volunteering with this cause.
NC4K
NC4K is a Columbus, Ohio nonprofit organization that provides support for kids fighting cancer through financial, emotional support, and events for play. As part of Northwestern Mutual – Columbus’ commitment to their cause, River Tree Wealth Management volunteers service hours, helps sponsor their annual fundraising gala, and donates items for their back-to-school drive and adopt-a-family holiday events.
Newark Church of the Nazarene
Newark Church of the Nazarene connects local community members through faith, hope and love. Their food pantry serves people on a weekly basis, and they host special outreach events designed to care for others. Shawn Phelps is a current member of the Newark Nazarene Planning & Giving Committee.
Ohio 4H Sea Camp
Through partnerships of Ohio State University Extension and organizations that provide aquatic education and water recreation, Ohio 4-H Sea Camp at Kelleys Island offers teenage youth an introduction to the Great Lakes through hands-on experiences in a variety of aquatic-based programs. Kayla Hinds has been part of the planning and execution of the camp since 2011.
Ohio Junior Angus Association
The purpose at the start of this association was to encourage young people to become involved with Angus steer and heifer projects and to help them do a better job with their projects. Today that purpose has been expanded to include more projects and programs that help juniors develop their leadership skills and character. This group, with the assistance of the American Angus Association, meets regularly, sponsors shows and field days, and take an active part in the Angus business and promotion of the breed. Kayla Hinds grew up showing cattle in the association and continues her support to their ongoing efforts.