(Submitted by wli, Work Leads to Independence)
Work Leads to Independence (wli) presents its inaugural Prom event – A Night with the Stars – Prom 2019 on Oct. 26, from 7 p.m. to midnight in downtown Bowling Green, at the historic Clazel Theatre, 127 N. Main St.
This prom fundraiser is open to the public and the proceeds will benefit programming for individuals with disabilities and veterans in Wood, Lucas, and Hancock County. It will be a night to celebrate the “star” in each of us. You can dress up as much as you want. The prom event colors are black and gold.
Since our privatization from Wood Lane in October of 2016, wli is no longer able to rely on the generosity of taxpayer dollars and therefore looked for a fun and exciting way to get the community involved in our fundraising efforts.
The prom committee became passionate about the idea because we are not aware of other non-profits that offer a community prom. The evening will include:
- A VIP check in experience
- Photo booth and King & Queen selection
- Grazing food stations, popcorn and cash bar
- DJ Jeff Rice from A & J sound will emcee the event- he is known locally for their Star Wars themed events in Northwest Ohio
October happens to be National Disability Employment Awareness 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 is “the right talent, right now.”
During the month, we will celebrate NDEA month not only with the fundraising event, but also with one of wli’s newest businesses opening, Main Street Cookie and Café. Main Street Cookie and Café will be visiting area businesses to hand out cookie samples. We will also be sending a thank you letter to more than 250 employers, for their commitment to employ individuals with disabilities or partner with wli to provide community opportunities for the people we serve.
Wli is a non-profit agency located in the heart of Wood County. Since 1985, wli, Work Leads to Independence (formerly known as Community Employment Services) has assisted the business community to meet staffing and diversity needs by offering a pool of qualified and competent workers with disabilities.
We rely 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 we provide.
We have 25 prom sponsors helping us at different levels:
- Gold level: $1,000 donated by both Clover Imaging and the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
- Silver level: $500 donated by BGSU, USI, Rosenboom, and Tin Man.
- Bronze level: $250 donated by Erie Construction, VitaKraft, Key Bank, Nate and Wally’s, DT Sports, UA Local 50 and Telamon.
- The gold level sponsors will have the benefit of their name on the Clazel Theatre marque and all sponsors will have their names listed on a banner inside the Clazel during the night.
The prom attendees will take home a thank you goodie bag that includes the sponsor’s marketing information.
Tickets are $40 regular and $50 for preferred seating. Call 419-352-5059 to pay and reserve your ticket or you can stop by our office located at 991 S. Main St., Bowling Green. Payments can be made via check, cash, or credit/debit card.
Buy your ticket and help us celebrate NDEA month and programs that benefit individuals with disabilities and veterans.
For more information go to our website: yourwli.com or call 419-352-5059.
