Rent-to-own News - Rent One 'Day on the Diamond' scores with vendors, community

Southern Illinois community leaders join Rent One and Ronald McDonald House St. Louis representatives Wednesday for Rent One's presentation of the first $10,000 of a $100,000 commitment to Ronald McDonald House.

With an entire minor league baseball park at their disposal, Rent One managers braved drizzling rain Wednesday to thank vendors from over 30 companies at the company's annual "Day on the Diamond" Vendor appreciation day at Rent One Park in Marion, Illinois.

The event was also a springboard event for Rent One's charitable mission as well.

The company held a press conference later in the day to present Ronald McDonald House of St. Louis representatives with the first $10,000 of a $100,000 commitment that will go toward building a new West County Ronald McDonald House in St. Louis at St. John’s Mercy Medical Center.  A bedroom in the facility -- set to open September 2010 -- will be named in honor of Rent One. See photos.

Representatives from Ronald McDonald House, Marion City Council and three area chambers of commerce were on hand for the event.

"Rent One has a record of donating and supporting local charities and this is certainly an outstanding contribution," said Marion City Commissioner Lannie Gribble. "It speaks highly of the owners, employees and managers of Rent One. Were fortunate to have Rent One as a member of this community."

Throughout the day around 100 "Day at the Diamond" participants, including vendors and Rent One employees and managers, divided into 10 teams and competed for points in five events including the "hitting competition", "longest throw", "speed pitch" and "accuracy throw". The "team spirit" contest required teams to dance and chant slogans before a panel of judges.

Vendors will also be treated to a dinner/ awards banquet and silent auction -- the proceeds of which will benefit Ronald McDonald House of St. Louis.

Rent One owner Carrico said he was pleased with the "Day at the Diamond" turnout and said the setup gave more vendors an opportunity to network and relax than the golf tournament Rent One used to host for vendors in previous years. Carrico also used the opportunity to offer matching donations for those wishing to contribute to the Ronald McDonald House.

Events continue Thursday with a 5K walk/run to benefit Jefferson County Multiple Sclerosis Society followed by a training led by Mike Wood of LG and a Rent One company business update.

Kelly McClellan with Archbrook Laguna, who attended the event last year, said the gesture by Rent One did not go unnoticed.

"We truly appreciate being appreciated," McClellan said. "It really makes a difference that Rent One gives us this opportunity each year to get out here and network, raise some money for charity and have some fun."

Ray Oribello of BriteLite, a first year "Day on the Diamond" participant, said the unique opportunity to mix business and pleasure.

"BriteLite certainly appreciates this opportunity to share in the festivities with our valued customers," Oribello said. "Events like these are very important because they help put us in contact with the front line managers and sales people who will be renting our products."

Visit the Day at the Diamond 2009 photo gallery here.