|
Community Comes Together for Celebrity Server Fundraiser
A total of 500 enthusiastic supporters flooded the American-Croatian Lodge creating a wave of green on Thursday, March 14, 2024, for United Way of Lake County's Annual Celebrity Server Fundraiser.
Presented by The Lubrizol Corporation, the St. Patrick's Day-themed event raised over $56,000 to help Lake County's most vulnerable residents.
Guests enjoyed a luncheon fit for leprechauns, featuring corned beef and cabbage and all the fixings, along with penne pasta marinara for those feeling a bit Italian.
The real treat proved to be a sweet tooth's paradise. In exchange for a donation at the "Table O’Sweets," guests had their choice of cakes, cupcakes, and loads of other delicious bakery items.
Adding to the festive atmosphere was well-known and beloved DJ Jeremy James, while charismatic local personality Ryan Gilkerson took the stage hosting the day's games and contests.
The Celebrity Servers - brave souls that they were - went above and beyond, entertaining their table guests and earning tips for UWLC's important work. From dancing Irish jigs to sharing embarrassing stories, they did it all with a smile.
Morris Beverage III of Lighthouse Advisers was the top Celebrity Server fundraiser and walked away with a large green "Shamrockstar" trophy handcrafted by the talented team at the Madison Public Library.
| |
|
Click the above video for a peek at all the shenanigans!
Read more below.
| |
|
Best Dressed, Crystal Adams
The event was packed with raffle prizes, including everything from a TV to a Wine Country getaway, to a Golf Foursome at Kirtland Country Club and much more. And the silent auction for a “Taste Around the World,” a 5-Course Dinner for 6 at Bistro 70 in Downtown Painesville, prepared by Owner/Chef Keith Koenig was a hit!
Of course, no event is complete without a little friendly competition. Crystal Adams of Torchlight Youth Mentoring Alliance took home the trophy for "Best Dressed" in her shamrock costume and was awarded a Pot O’Gold filled with chocolate "gold" coins, a treasure fit for a true Irish belle.
| |  |
|
Top Celebrity Server Fundraiser, Morris Beverage III
As the event came to a close, hearts were full and spirits were high. The day was far more than just having a good time - it was about coming together as a community to make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
To all who attended, sponsored, served as Celebrity Servers, and donated prizes, desserts, and liquor - your generosity knows no bounds. We are grateful for your unwavering commitment to our mission. You truly are the pot of gold at the end of our rainbow!
Until next time, keep spreading kindness, laughter, and a little touch of Irish luck wherever you go!
| | | Celebrity Servers from Left: City of Willoughby Mayor Bob Fiala, City of Wickliffe Mayor Joe Sakacs, City of Kirtland Mayor Kevin Potter | A Big Thank You to All Celebrity Servers! | |
|
Crystal Adams
Barb Bader
Michael Barb
Robin Baum
Morris Beverage III
Judy Burr
Kathy Buse
Devan Capella
Ben Capelle
Melissa Clayton
Dione DeMitro
Matt Donovan
Kim Fetty
Lakeisha Ferguson
Mayor Bob Fiala
Kim Gilmore
Adrienne Green
Craig Heath
Chris Hallum
Jane Herder
Betty Jacobs
David Jomjati
Pam Kurt
Tim Lane
Doug Lewis
| | |
|
David Malinowski
Joanna Mannon
Mary Jo Miller
Dr. Andi Musial
Dan Nichols
Tim O’Brien
Judge Robert Patton
Andy Phelps
Joe Popely
Mayor Kevin Potter
Mark Rees
Pam Rose
Mayor Joe Sakacs
Ric Selby
Mia Severino
Andao Silbaugh
Danielle Sindelar
Andrea Londono-Shishehbor
Joseph Spiccia
Amber Thomas
Dr. Jack Thompson
Joseph Tomsick
Christine Weber
Dana Wolfe
Wendy Zele
| |
|
Agency Partner Spotlight
The Fine Arts Association
| |
|
We Are Proud to Celebrate our Support of the Fine Arts Associations' Creative Arts Therapy Program Now During Youth Art Month!
Youth Art Month serves as a reminder of the power of art to inspire, educate, and enrich the lives of young people, and it encourages continued advocacy for arts education in schools and communities nationwide.
The professional faculty of teaching artists at the Fine Arts Association provide instruction in visual arts, dance, theatre, music, and creative arts therapies, the latter of which United Way of Lake County helps support.
Creative arts therapy encompasses a spectrum of disciplines, including visual arts, music, dance, drama, and more, all harnessed to facilitate healing and personal growth. At the Fine Arts Association, individuals of all ages and backgrounds are welcomed into a nurturing environment where they can explore,
express, and heal through artistic endeavors.
| | |
|
Through painting, drawing, and sculpting, individuals can externalize their emotions, process trauma, and gain insights into their inner world. Under the guidance of skilled instructors at the Fine Arts Association, participants embark on a journey of self-discovery, using the canvas as a mirror to reflect their hopes, fears, and aspirations.
--------------------------------------
Unlocking Healing Through Creative Arts Therapy: We are proud to help support this program and the 270 people who benefited from it in 2003.
---------------------------------------
In a world where healing often feels like an uphill battle, the Fine Arts Association stands as a beacon of light, illuminating the path towards wholeness through the transformative power of creative expression. As we continue to navigate life's challenges and triumphs, may we remember the healing potential that lies within each brushstroke, each note, each step, and each story. We must also remember how important this is to those suffering and in need of help moving forward.
| |
|
Get Involved!
Upcoming Events, Volunteer Opportunities, and More!
| |
Feed Lake County Food Drive & Fundraiser
Going on Now Through April 30, 2024
Donate by March 31st to Double Your Impact
Did you know that a full one-third of Lake County residents struggle to afford basic needs? Now during our 32nd Annual Feed Lake County Food Drive & Fundraiser, we are asking for your support to help feed hunger. There are many ways to help, one of which includes doubling your impact by making a monetary gift by March 31st. Buyers Products Company in Mentor is matching all gifts up to $25,000 in total donations. If you are in a position to do so, please consider donating today. Another way you can help is to run a food drive or urge your employer to do so.
Complete information on how you can help can be found here.
Feed Lake County Volunteers Needed
In addition to the above, we are currently looking for volunteers to help with our Feed Lake County efforts. If you have a few hours to give, we need volunteers to help unload, weigh, unbox, sort, and shelve donated food. Several upcoming volunteer dates and times are available, all of which can be found here.
| |
Two Exciting Back-to-Back Online Raffles Starting April 9th!
Part II of our annual fundraiser is scheduled to kick off Tuesday, April 9th! As a follow-up to our Celebrity Server event, we will be running two back-to-back raffles featuring loads of amazing prizes and a 50/50 raffle in each. Keep your eyes out for more information!
| |
Attention 5K Lovers! Register to Join Lake County Treasurer Mike Zuren's Inaugural Race for Charity Sunday, April 14!
All Proceeds will Benefit United Way of Lake County
Take advantage of the early-bird rate when you register to run or walk in this 5K now! The race will be held at 8 am at the Lake County Fairgrounds on Sunday, April 14. The early-bird rate of $30/person is available now through April 1st. Following this, the rate will be $40/person.
Register to join the 5K race at the early-bird rate now!
| |
32nd Annual Day of Caring
Volunteers and Project Submissions Now Being Accepted
Our 32nd Annual Day of Caring will be held this June (date TBD). We are currently accepting project submissions from Lake County nonprofits for undertakings such as cleaning, sorting, inside and outside painting, weeding, hedge trimming, power washing, mulch spreading, flower planting, social hosting (picnics, ice cream socials, game days, etc) for kids and seniors. We are also looking for volunteers from local organizations, groups, and individuals to select from and "adopt" project submissions.
Interested in submitting a project or volunteering? Contact Emily Johnston at ejohnston@uwlc.org or call 440.639.1107.
| |
Small Business United (SBU)
Join the Movement!
Small business owners know that a strong, healthy community is good for business. These same owners also understand the importance of giving back and keeping local dollars local, which is where our Small Business United (SBU) membership comes in. All funds raised in Lake County from this membership, stay in Lake County, helping our local friends and neighbors in need. If you are a small business owner interested in a simple, budget-friendly way to give back, then this may be the program for you!
Learn more about our SBU program now!
| |
GET CONNECTED!
Volunteer Opportunities at UWLC and Other Lake County Nonprofits
Our new GET CONNECTED! initiative serves to bring together individuals eager to make a positive impact with those looking for volunteers. If you are an organization in need of volunteers, we would love to include your listing in our program. Simply reach out to Emily Johnston at ejohnston@uwlc.org, and we will guide you through the steps to get you connected. If you are an individual looking to make a difference, we urge you to also contact Emily to learn about how you can select from a list of online opportunities that align with your interests and schedule.
Learn more about our GET CONNECTED! program here!
| | | | |
