CLEVELAND – The Ohio Lottery has announced its partnership with Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor for its InspiredOH initiative – an effort to shine a light on the stories of hope and perseverance across the state of Ohio. For the first time, Lindor will be giving a detailed personal account of how he has achieved his dreams, and will be asking fellow Ohioans to share their own inspirational stories for opportunities to win in big and small ways.
Each week in July, the Ohio Lottery will host giveaways on its social media channels, awarding $50 gift cards for sharing stories of positivity using the hashtag #InspiredOH. During the month of August, the Ohio Lottery will roll out additional rewards to those who share their own stories of positivity, including a chance to have their story documented in a video by the Ohio Lottery.
“We could not be more excited to partner with Francisco Lindor, one of today’s most inspiring Ohioans, for this campaign,” said Sandy Lesko Sabbath, Deputy Director, Marketing Communications for the Ohio Lottery. “Francisco’s remarkable story of perseverance exemplifies the InspiredOH initiative. The Ohio Lottery is focused on creating positive experiences across the state, and we couldn’t think of a better Ohioan, or person, to team up with for this program.”
Lindor’s fans know him for his impressive skills on the field, but most are not familiar with his journey to reach his dreams; overcoming obstacles such as learning a new language, and supporting his sister through her battle with cancer. Throughout the challenges he has faced, he’s never lost his signature smile and has consequently become a role model to all around him.
Now fans will get an insider’s look at Lindor’s journey to the big leagues and learn more about those who have helped him achieve the impossible through a documentary produced by the Ohio Lottery. To support the initiative, the Lottery has launched the website www.inspiredoh.org, which will feature Lindor’s documentary and “Lindorisms” – fun pieces of advice and encouragement for daily life. The website also features a series of inspirational videos from across the state such as an Ohio-based horse ranch that raises funds for breast cancer, a small town thrift shop that supports animal rescue efforts and many more.
The Ohio Lottery has contributed more than $23 billion toward education. As a strong believer himself that education can open doors, and to kick off the initiative, Lindor will be making a personal donation to Minds Matter Cleveland. The 100% volunteer-led, nonprofit organization provides high-achieving high school students from low-income backgrounds with academic and mentoring services, along with access to summer college immersion programs, to assist them in navigating the path to college and career success.
“As a part of my partnership with the Ohio Lottery, it’s very important to me to be able to give back to my community. I’ll be making a donation to Minds Matter Cleveland to help ensure that high-performing, low-income students have the resources needed to further their education. I hope this will positively impact these students and give them some of the necessary support to achieve success, and help them reach their goals and dreams,” added Lindor.
Throughout its nine-year history, Minds Matter Cleveland has succeeded in placing each of its graduates into a four-year college or university, almost all with significant financial aid and scholarship assistance.