Service Champions: Mountain Movers
by Linda Caguatti

Gale Smith is often called a "mountain mover" by people and organizations he has helped. When he founded The Smith Family Foundation five  years ago, his dream was to encourage young people to be of service to others. He wanted them to experience the truth of the foundation's motto: "The secret of living is giving."

Blessed with energy, talent and optimism, he works tirelessly with family and friends to make that dream come true. And, he says, "I have learned anew the truth of the maxim "together we can move mountains."

You can see and hear plenty of evidence at the third annual Celebration of Champions tribute dinner on Sept. 25 at the Sabin Cincinnati Convention Center. Created by the Smith Family Foundation, the evening honors two individuals deemed "mountain movers" because they've had an extraordinary impact on the lives of young people in this community. They are Barbara Condo and Albert E. Brown.

• Barbara Condo says she founded One Way Farm Children's Home "to mend the broken minds, bodies and spirits of children." With the help of "untold people that could only have been sent by God," the home has served more than 8,000 children since 1976. She is executive director.
• Albert Brown, a 26-year veteran of the Cincinnati Police Division, started "Computer COP" in 1992 to build a communications bridge between police and young people. Using "edutainment" software as a catalyst, Computer COP lets law enforcement officers and youth interact in relaxed, non-threatening computer classes where they can build trust and respect for each other. The program now has 12 sites and has served some 3,000 young people.

Keynote speaker for the tribute dinner is Daniel "Rudy" Ruettinger, whose struggles and triumphs playing football for the University of Notre Dame became the inspirational movie Rudy. He has a thrilling story of determination and the power of dreams.

Celebration of Champions is an inspiring event where you meet hundreds of Greater Cincinnatians who are committed hook, line and sinker to helping young people. There are corporate, group and individual donation levels and proceeds help youth programs. For more information, visit the Foundation Web site at www.smithfamilyfoundation.org or call 513-564-8747.

"May God help us all," says Mr. Smith, "to become the inspiring role models our youth so desperately need today by becoming givers - not takers - in this world."