By JULIE CARLE
BG Independent News
Ten years ago, Wood Lane Industries was required to separate from the Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities due to federal mandates and state-level directives.
The private, nonprofit organization became Work Leads to Independence, or WLI, keeping the same acronym and basically the same mission: To assist people served in maximizing their community participation and personal achievement.
“We know WLI is succeeding in the mission when we see the annual Community Night fundraiser grow in sponsorships, prizes, attendance and staff participation from previous years,” WLI Business Manager Kelly Driver said during a recent interview.
The sixth annual Community Night event celebrates WLI’s 10 years of success since separating from the county board. This year’s event from 6-10 p.m. on March 7, returns to the Bowling Green Fraternal Order of Eagles at 1163 N. Main St. for the third consecutive year.
Overall community support for the annual fundraiser has continued to grow each year of the event, and this year’s support has been fabulous, Driver said.
The number of event sponsors at the gold, silver and bronze levels increased substantially, some of them doubling from previous years. There also will be an abundance of raffle baskets thanks to the generous support of so many individuals, businesses and organizations.
“We are so thankful for the amazing community support this year,” Driver said. “I think our sponsors are proud that we’ve been here for 10 years, and I’ve heard more than ever that people really love our mission.”
The gold-level sponsors this year are Bowling Green Eagles, J&T Auto, and Perfect Touch Balloons. Silver Sponsors include Betco, Danny’s (Rossford), First Solar, F&M Bank, Key Bank, Medicaid Billing Solutions and William Vaughn. The bronze sponsors are Bowling Green State University, Dean of the College of Education and Human Development, Clover Imaging Group, Cousino’s Steakhouse, Diversified Computer Solutions, Habitec Security, Hancock Wood Electric, NSC Diversified, and Zehntek Technology.
“The Eagles help with the space we need for the event, and they give the biggest donation of any sponsor to date,” she said. “The Eagles are committed to our mission, and it shows every year when they welcome our annual fundraiser at their location.”
The list of raffle items is extensive and includes a variety of gift certificates, Toledo Zoo membership, tools from Home Depot, an Amazon mystery box, a Vera Bradley purse, spa baskets and tickets to Levis Cinemark and the Wood County Museum.
Driver has worked tirelessly with Susie Ward and Kayla Minniear to talk with local businesses and organizations about sponsorships and donations.
Driver, who worked at Wood Lane Industries when it was a part of the county board’s services, brings the historical knowledge and deep understanding of the important work that is done day-in-and-day-out.
Ward, who has worked at WLI for eight years, has become instrumental in community outreach. As the primary contact for the agency’s state ink and toner contracts, Ward enjoys talking with people, so helping with the event for the past six years has been in her wheelhouse. She prints out flyers and letters to take along to visit potential donors, and always has a smile and sincere words of thanks.
She is also constantly looking for and buying items that are great raffle items. “I listen to what people are saying they like, and I look for some of those things,” she said.
This year, she has already contributed an Ohio State sweatshirt, a Michigan blanket and a spin mop and bucket. Each year, she has created plastic canvas items for the event. Last year, she made animal-themed treat holders for the tables; this year, she made an Ohio State plastic canvas tray.
Minniear is the new kid on the block, having joined the staff last April. As the former co-owner of Rock ‘Em Sock ‘Em Retro in Bowling Green, she brings her Downtown Business and community connections to the job and to the event.
“She really stepped up and jumped in to help with the Farmers’ Market and the Community Night event,” Driver said about Minniear. “Nothing bothers her, and her connections with local businesses has been helpful.”
Tickets for the March 7 event are $25 for individuals and $40 for couples. Because seating is limited, Driver encouraged buying tickets in advance by calling 419-353-1227. If seats are still available, tickets will be sold at the door the night of the event.
The event includes food by Bavarian Inn in Deshler, free soft drinks, a cash bar, DJ from AJ Sound, dancing, a photo booth, and the raffle ($1 per ticket or 6 for $5).
The V.G. Award, named for former WLI CEO Vic Gable, is presented to an individual who has shown growth in independence, personal achievement, or has a work ethic impact that makes others glad to be at work.
Many attendees enjoy dressing up for the event, which used to have a prom theme, but in an effort to connect more with the community and the sponsors, the event changed to a Community Night. Attendees are allowed to “dress down,” in jeans, or whatever they are comfortable wearing, Driver said.
The event is the biggest fundraiser for WLI. Proceeds raised from the event directly support the organization’s day programming, specifically two outing groups that engaged in community volunteering and activities.
“This is the highlight of the night and replaces selecting a prom king and queen,” Driver said. “The event still feels like a prom, but we want people to remember the fun. It is a community-supported event that celebrates community inclusion at its finest.”
