“This year’s show was another great success,” said one organizer. “Even with the heat, the community came out strong, and we’re proud to support these groups doing meaningful work.” Among the non-profits receiving funds was the Veterans Food Pantry of Northwest Ohio, Warriors Way, Spread the Love, The Love Luggage Project, Westgate Angels, All Star Pet Rescue, Soldiers of Honor, and The Arc of Lima.
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“The FBI wants the chief to know they are a resource for the department,” Nelsen said. “It’s all about partnerships. Any chance we get to shake a chief's hand, hear about what they do, and talk about how we can work together is a good day, and that's why we're here—just to congratulate the chief.”
Nearly one in five adults lives with a mental illness in the U.S., and the United Way of Greater Lima, in partnership with PASS, is working to provide resources and support in response.
To keep her memory alive, the Lima affiliate of the National Association of Blacks in Criminal Justice (NABCJ) established the Bonita Haynes Memorial Scholarship. It is funded in part by an annual golf scramble, which organizers hope will continue to grow in both participation and sponsorship to increase the amount raised.
Established in 1953 as the Lima and Allen County Clinic, the center has undergone several name changes before officially becoming the Lima Children’s Developmental Center in 1996. It remains the only private, non-profit early intervention and preschool program for special needs children in Allen County.
“The World Health Organization has indicated that there's been an increase of 23% in anxiety since the pandemic, and 28% in depression,” said John Foster of the Center for Peace and Reconciliation. “Mental health is an issue. It's an issue that we need to talk about. In the past, it’s been under the carpet—kind of hidden—but now it should be at the forefront.”
Organizers hope the event will encourage those who work with or support youth, as well as members of the community, to attend and be inspired by Gehle’s resilience.
According to the Lupus Foundation of America, an estimated 1.5 million Americans live with lupus, and 90% of those diagnosed are women. However, the disease also affects men and children.
Only 240 entry tickets will be sold. Each $40 ticket includes light hors d'oeuvres, a drink ticket, one paddle valid for 20 auction rounds, and the opportunity to win prizes such as designer purses, electronics, date nights, and more. Additional paddles will be available for purchase at the event.
“We're very supportive of the Allen County Children's Services Board and the assistance that they provide not only to the children, but to the families that are in need,” Kohlrieser said. “We're hoping to help combat any issues of neglect or dependency, to help these families that are in crisis, to show a little support and hopefully benefit them in some way.”