Record Crowd Turns Out August 20 for United Way of Lake County HeroFest Honoring First Responders
Mentor, OH (August 21, 2023) – United Way of Lake County (UWLC) hosted a HeroFest event honoring Lake County First-Responders Sunday, August 20, 2023 at Classic Auto Group Park, home of the Lake County Captains.
The event was held from 12 pm to approximately 4 pm. A record number of first-responders and their families turned out, with lines forming early as United Way of Lake County volunteers and staffers provided all guests with free tickets to the ballgame to see the Lake County Captains take on the Peoria Chiefs.
First responders and their families were also treated to free food and beverages which included chicken sandwiches, burgers, hot dogs, mac ‘n cheese, potato salad and more. Those 21 years of age and older were also provided with two tickets per person for free alcoholic beverages while enjoying the ballgame.
“We are grateful for the work our first responders do to keep our community safe and today’s event is simply our way of saying thank you for their courage and dedication,” said UWLC President and CEO Dione DeMitro.
A wide variety of raffle items and a 50/50 raffle were also available to benefit Lake County first-responders. The raffle started online approximately three weeks prior and culminated at the end of the event when Morris Beverage III, President of Lighthouse Advisers, UWLC Board Member and a presenting sponsor of the event joined DeMitro to announce the winners.
Prizes included four tickets to each of five 2024 home Guardians games, two Browns tickets valued at $1,560 which include access to their TCP club with premium food and bar included, a golf package, spa and salon packages, a Chef’s Tasting dinner for six at Bistro 70 in Painesville, high-end Bourbon and Tequila packages, each valued at over five hundred dollars, and more.
According to Beverage, “We are not only thankful to our first responders but also to their families for the sacrifices they make while their loved ones are out taking care of us.”
Another HeroFest presenting sponsor, Andrew Somich of Somich & Associates adds, “I have personally been touched by the efforts of our Lake County first-responders, who saved the life of one of my family members. I am forever grateful to them and am happy for the opportunity to be here today, give back, and personally thank so many .”
All proceeds will benefit first responders’ scholarships through The Lakeland Foundation, mental health services provided at Crossroads Health, and United Way of Lake County.
Presenting sponsors included Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Griffin Technology Group, Lighthouse Advisers, and Somich & Associates.