It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Founder, Mr. Cecil O’Brate. 

As we bid farewell to Cecil, we share our sincerest gratitude for the strength of his leadership, his unending generosity, and the personal character he inspired us with each day. The fruits of his work have graced us with a mission to continue at the O’Brate Foundation. Cecil never forgot growing up in poverty during the Great Depression, and he was committed to improving his life and the lives of others.  The college scholarships and community employment opportunities that Cecil created will make a lasting impact on generations to come. 

We go forward always remembering the wisdom he imparted us with, “I have found no substitute for an honest day’s work, an inquisitive mind and a desire to always do more.” Cecil passed the torch and may we all continue to ‘Make it Happen’.