Robert Berk
H.O.P.E. Honoree 2023
Born and raised in Warren, Robert “Rob” Berk is the son of Harold and Suzanne Berk who founded the family business in 1954.
That business, Berk Enterprises, is currently in its third generation of leadership under his daughter, Reilly.
Rob has served as President of the Warren Rotary Club (2014-15) during which time he founded “The Slice of the Valley” Pizza Challenge. This event is open to area pizza shops to determine who has the best pizza in the Valley. Over the years, proceeds from the event have benefitted Warren Family Mission, Trumbull Mobile Meals, the Salvation Army, Someplace Safe, Habitat for Humanity, Animal Welfare League, Vietnam Vets, Children’s Rehab and St. Vincent de Paul, among others.
During his presidency, he chaired a clothing drive – he still chairs the event to this day – and they have donated kids’ coats, scarves, gloves and shirts to a variety of organizations, including Warren City Schools, Boys and Girls Club of Youngstown, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of the Mahoning Valley, Steam Academy, Trumbull Metro Housing, Rescue Mission, Basement Outreach, YWCA Childcare and Seeking Gods Glory.
Under his leadership they have also made contributions, but not limited to, Smile Train, Second Harvest Food Bank, Hospice of the Valley and Warren Family Mission.
He has also helped spearhead a school supply drive for the Warren City Schools as well as a personal care item drive with all goods received shipped to the Ukraine.
He has been a huge part of multiple canned food drives that have contributing proceeds to the Salvation Army Angels Gift Program, also making yearly contributions to Inspiring Minds and Game Changers.
Robert is honored to be here tonight and a Thank You to Dominic Mararri for this wonderful honor.
Prior to founding City Kids Care, Inc., Brandon served five and a half years of active duty in the U. S. Army, stationed in South Korea, Fort Lewis, Washington and was deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He continues to serve in the U.S. Army Reserves and works for the Department of Defense. His government expertise in logistics management has enabled the organization to function in a capacity that provides services to large numbers of community members. Brandon’s leadership and commitment to our youths have been recognized both locally and nationally. Among those honors is the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (MOVSM) in 2015 and being awarded the Key to the City of Youngstown by former Mayor John McNally in 2017.
