“ODA is the root of my soul. ODA has not only given my family hope, ODA has also given others hope. Senior citizens are raising children, and seniors need ODA as well. This has meant the world to me. This has meant the world to my family. And I just hope for a moment, you can feel the love that’s in this room.”
At our Fifth Annual Benefit Clambake presented by AAA Auto Club Enterprises, Ruby Lyde, godmother of ODA alumna Amyra Sims and class of 2025 shared from the heart.
And we all felt the love in the room.
The Cleveland Rowing Foundation provided the perfect setting. The sun was shining, the breeze was subtle and the Cuyahoga River shimmered. More than 340 guests and staff came together to celebrate community and our shared mission of supporting scholars and families.
DJ Lily Jade, the 12-year-old pro-DJ, filled the night with music, while our emcee and ODA alum AJ Brewer guided guests through the evening with warmth and humor.
Kevin Clayton, Executive Vice President, Chief Impact and Equity Officer of Rock Entertainment Group, who owns the Cleveland Cavaliers, was honored as our Luminary Award recipient. The Luminary Award is presented annually to an Ohio-based leader who has made a significant impact on out-of-school time learning, and Kevin’s leadership and focus on improving opportunities and outcomes for youth has inspired so many across the region.
Guests were treated to a reading from ODA scholars and published authors Brandon and Braxton Worthen. The boys read "I Will" from their book, "Brown Boys Affirmations." We heard how they will “overcome any obstacle that comes my way,” “never give up,” “achieve my goals,” and “be a positive force in the world.”
Mission accomplished.
We are deeply grateful to our generous sponsors, donors, and guests whose donations and support made the Clambake a roaring success, helping us raise $319,511, surpassing our stretch goal of $300,000.
This comes at a crucial time of reduced government funding and increased demand on our foundation partners.
We would like to say special thank you to our Presenting Sponsor, AAA Auto Club Enterprises for supporting our community as presenting sponsor for the third consecutive year, our Inspire Sponsors, The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Connor Foundation, Nurture Sponsors Friends of Breakthrough Public School, The Law Firm for Truck Safety, Jesse & Amy McKenny, Nilges Draher LLC, NRS Injury Law, Lisa & Sal Russo, Shelly & Mark Saltzman, St, Paul’s Episcopal Church, and Don & Mary Ellen Webb Marik, Challenge Sponsors, Bank of America, Cleveland-Cliffs, Sam & Laura Feller, KeyBank, Drs. Chuck & Kim Martin, Bill Pavilonis Family Giving Fund, Taft, Tarolli, Tucker Ellis LLP, Westfield, and Friend Sponsors Birthing Beautiful Communities, EY, GBX Group, Kaulig Giving, Ed & Kim Moore, Pease Bell CPAs, LLC, PNC, Lisa & Zoltan Vidacs, and Youth Opportunities Unlimited.
Your generosity and enthusiasm make it possible to continue creating opportunities that support ODA families, and help our scholars grow, explore, and fulfill their potential.
To discover how to get involved and support our scholars, please contact Joe Hollings, Senior Director of Engagement at jhollings@odacle.org
