December 23, 2025
As 2025 comes to a close, LakewoodAlive is reflecting with gratitude on the generosity and support of the donors, partners, sponsors, and neighbors who make its work possible. Their continued investment helps advance LakewoodAlive’s mission: to foster and sustain vibrant, welcoming neighborhoods throughout the city.
That mission comes to life through a range of initiatives, including Housing Outreach programs that support residents in need, free community events that bring neighbors together, and small business support efforts that strengthen Lakewood’s commercial corridors. Each program is rooted in the belief that a strong community begins with people who are supported, connected, and empowered to succeed.
One such success story belongs to longtime Lakewood resident Patrick Kellett, owner of Black Label Apparel, a local business many residents have come to recognize and support. What started more than a decade ago in Kellett’s basement was fueled by two passions: graphic design and his love for Lakewood. That combination quickly resonated with the community.
Twelve years ago, Kellett debuted his first “Lakewoodite” shirt at a holiday market, selling out by the end of the day. Since then, Black Label Apparel has steadily grown, expanding from pop-ups around town to partnerships with local schools creating custom spirit wear to a brick-and-mortar location in Cleveland. Eventually, Kellett was ready to take the next step—finding a larger space in the city he calls home.
When the time came to seek out something bigger, Kellett turned to LakewoodAlive for assistance. Using the Available Commercial Properties map—which LakewoodAlive maintains in partnership with the City of Lakewood—he was able to identify a space that fit his needs and allowed Black Label Apparel to continue growing right here in Lakewood, where it all began.
“I love the sense of community in Lakewood—the schools, parks, food scene, and small businesses are so prevalent,” Kellett said. “It makes me feel like I can be successful here too.”
Stories like Kellett’s highlight the broader impact of supporting local entrepreneurs. Small businesses do more than fill vacant storefronts; they create jobs, generate local tax revenue, support community causes, and contribute to the character and vitality of neighborhoods.
As LakewoodAlive looks ahead to the new year, it invites residents to help sustain this momentum by making a year-end contribution. Donations directly support programs that uplift local businesses, strengthen neighborhoods, and build a brighter future for Lakewood.
Tax-deductible year-end gifts can be made by December 31 at LakewoodAlive.org/Donate. Gifts of appreciated stock or qualified charitable distributions from an IRA are also accepted.
LakewoodAlive extends its sincere thanks to everyone who has partnered with the organization this year and helped make Lakewood a place where neighbors—and small businesses—can thrive.