The FriendShip Stores have been committed to supporting the communities they serve since being founded in Port Clinton in 1986, initially donating funds to local schools and sports teams. Over the years, as the company has grown to 27 stores across northern and central Ohio, more resources have been dedicated to supporting children and the local communities where the stores are located.

FriendShip is the retail division of Beck Suppliers, a fourth generation, family-owned company which celebrated its 70th year of operation in 2020.

“We are proud to be an Ohio-based company, and realize the challenges our communities are facing during this pandemic are daunting. We wanted to do our part to support them as best we could,” said Brian Beck, Sr. Vice President of FriendShip Stores, and co-owner of Beck Suppliers. “Our success over the years has been due in large part to our strong ties to our communities, children and education. We are grateful we were able to help so much during such a trying year.”

One of FriendShip’s largest beneficiaries each year is the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). More than 84 cents of every dollar donated to JDRF goes directly to research.

“This was supposed to be our 11th Annual Poker Run, but due to COVID-19 we had to change our fundraising approach,” said Marketing Director Kevin Campbell. “This year we sold raffle tickets at our stores and conducted a virtual drawing for a grand prize of $10,000.

“It was disappointing that we could not celebrate raising over $40,000 with thousands of poker run participants that have made this event such a success over the years. We are hopeful to see everyone in person next summer and are excited to be closing in on raising over $500,000 for JDRF.”

Other major recipients of FriendShip funding include Make-A-Wish Foundation, Port Clinton Athletic Boosters, Cancer Services of Erie County, Lorain County Boys and Girls Club and the Humane Society of Sandusky County.

“We are proud to continue the legacy of giving our father and grandfather started,” added Vice President Dean Beck, Sr., co-owner of Beck Suppliers. “We are excited to expand our new concept FriendShip Kitchen stores to more Ohio communities. Our family, our company, our employees and FriendShip are committed to the success and well-being of our communities.”