Work Leads to Independence (wli) will present its Prom 2021 – Masquerade Night on Oct. 9, from 6 to 9 p.m., in Bowling Green, at the Wood County Fairgrounds, 13800 W. Poe Road.
The prom fundraiser is open to the public and the proceeds will benefit programming for individuals with disabilities and veterans in Wood, Lucas, and Hancock counties. You can dress up as much as you want and the prom event colors are black and gold. The DJ will dress up as the Phantom of the Opera.
Hand sanitizer and disposable face masks will be available.
Since privatization from Wood Lane in 2016, Work Leads to Independence is no longer able to rely on taxpayer dollars and therefore looks for ways to get the community involved in fundraising efforts.
The prom evening will include:
- A VIP touch free check in experience (no tickets). Social distancing will be respected during the evening.
- Photo booth, and King & Queen selection.
- Catered food truck, walking cupcake dessert, and refreshments.
- 50/50, silent auction, and prom flower boutonniere/corsages will be available for purchase.
- Souvenir t-shirt web store will be open during the month of September.
- DJ Jeff Rice from A&J sound will emcee the event.
October is National Disability Employment Awareness (NDEA) month. It is a time to celebrate more than 70 years of contributions made by Americans with disabilities to the country’s workforce and economic strength.
This year’s theme of “America’s Recovery: Powered by Inclusion” reflects the importance of ensuring that people with disabilities have full access to employment and community involvement during the national recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the month, wli will celebrate NDEA month with the prom fundraising event and we will be sending thank you letters to over 250 employers, for their commitment to employ individuals with disabilities or provide community opportunities for the people served by wli.
Wli is a non-profit agency located in Bowling Green. Since 1985, wli (formally known as Community Employment Services) has assisted the business community to meet their staffing and diversity needs by offering a pool of qualified and competent workers with disabilities.
The agency relies on revenue from Medicaid, Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, Laser Cartridge Express sales for ink and toner cartridges, business contracts, grants, donations and fundraisers to support the services it provides.
Sponsors of the prom event include:
- Gold level: $2,500 donated by Fraternal Order of Eagles.
- Silver level: $1,000 donated by Betco, and Clover Imaging Technologies.
- Bronze level: $500 donated by BGSU College of Education and Human Development, The Andersons, Panda Tech, and Hancock Wood Electric.
- Other sponsors: $300 Key Bank, $100 The Employer’s Assoc, and Medicaid Billing Solutions.
Prom tickets are $25 regular and $35 for preferred seating, and for couples $40/$60. Call 419-352-5059 to pay and reserve tickets or stop by the office located at 991 S. Main St., Bowling Green. Payments can be made via check, cash, or credit/debit card.
For more information go to the website: yourwli.com or call 419-352-5059.
