WVIZ/PBS ideastream®: Make a Difference: Chuck Ayers

Make a Difference Masthead

Chuck Ayers

For more than a decade, Chuck Ayers has partnered with fellow Kent State artist Tom Batiuk to produce the beloved Crankshaft comic strip. Although Chuck and Tom work with cartoons, their subject matter at times tackles serious issues, including Alzheimer's and terminal breast cancer.

Growing up in a family that made regular trips to donate blood, Chuck followed suit, and has now donated more than 15 gallons of blood to the Red Cross. After his father was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, he began supporting the Alzheimer's Association as well. Chuck also enjoys working with local history groups, often donating artwork to help raise funds for them.

"I give to a lot of different things... To be able to do something where people's lives might be saved or changed some way, that's what it’s all about. I just hope something I've done has helped somebody."

Organizations supported by Chuck Ayers include (listed alphabetically):

Alzheimer's Association
American Red Cross
Cascade Locks Park Association
Ohio and Erie Canal Canalway Coalition
University Hospitals