Author: Daniela Goncalves
On October 26, we celebrated our commitment to empowering youth at our 4th Annual Benefit Clambake, held under a tent at the Cleveland Rowing Foundation. Thanks to the support and generosity of donors, scholars, families, and staff, we reached our fundraising goal of $250,000.
The event was hosted by budding pro emcee, 5th-grade ODA and Breakthrough Schools scholar Parker Brown, who handled her duties with grace and panache.
Robertha Semple, mother of ODA scholars Robert and Carter who attend a Breakthrough School, shared her gratitude, saying, “I was able to work later hours knowing my children were being cared for with love and attention.” The safe, enriching environment ODA provides “right at their own school” was invaluable to her family.
For her impactful leadership in out-of-school time learning, Jill Ackerman, Superintendent of Lima City Schools, received our 2024 Luminary Award.
ODA board member Giuseppe Pappalardo captured the evening’s spirit: “This was the best Clambake ever! Parker was adorable; the food was great; the speeches were moving, and everybody had so much fun!”
Thank you to everyone who attended, supported, and celebrated with us! See you next year!
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This article is a part of the November 2024 PINC Newsletter. To read more articles from this newsletter, click here or the button below.
