Wellington Music is a full-service store with a servant leader conducting operations.
“I do everything I can to reach out and help,” owner Steve Neff said.
Neff reopened the store in 2011 after retiring from a long career in law enforcement.
Additionally, he operates a nonprofit, serves as a director on the Lorain County Fair Board and is vice president of Main Street Wellington.
A large portion of business in the store is from student musicians in the area, Neff said.
He offers rentals and rent-to-own options along with maintenance plans.
“About 30 percent of kids drop out or change instruments,” he said. “They can rent from us, and that lets the kids see if they really want to do it.”
Often, Neff finds himself working late into the night to help customers.
If a band student’s instrument is damaged at a Friday night football game, for example, the student may need it back the next day for a competition.
“It’s very important these kids have their instruments because it’s what they want to do,” Neff said. “It’s a good investment in an alliance and group that’s positive.”
Neff’s nonprofit also works to provide positive experiences for children.
Service Safety Fundraising raises money for safety organizations and other nonprofits.
One of its largest programs provides luggage and other items for children who are displaced from their homes.
“I’ve witnessed this too many times,” Neff said. “The kids really don’t have anything. They’re moving from place to place with a garbage bag.”
Since 2018, LIFT: Luggage, Independence and Faith to Travel, has provided roller suitcases, backpacks and hygiene items to youngsters in Lorain, Medina, Ashland and Huron counties.
“You’d be surprised how many kids don’t know what a toothbrush is,” Neff said. “I’ve seen it at its worst.
“Some kids have nothing. If we make a difference in one kid’s life, we’ve accomplished our mission, so why not keep going?”
The nonprofit’s current fundraiser is a virtual gun raffle in cooperation with the Ashland Masonic Lodge.
Tickets are $20 each and are available at Wellington Music and the Lodge.
To donate to the LIFT program or other fundraisers — or to get started with a new instrument — contact Neff at the store at 117 W. Herrick Ave. or 440-647-3233.
