United Way Honors  Lake County First Responders August 4, 2024 at Fourth Annual HeroFest at Classic Park 

Mentor, OH (August 12, 2024) –  United Way of Lake County (UWLC) hosted a HeroFest event honoring Lake County First-Responders Sunday, August 4, 2024 at Classic Auto Group Park, home of the Lake County Captains.

The fourth annual HeroFest event was held from 1 pm to 4 pm. Over 200 First Responders and their families and their turned out to enjoy a day of fun at the ballpark which included the Lake County Captains vs. Beloit Sky Carp game, a food buffet of burgers, hot dogs, Slovenian sausage, chicken sandwiches, mac ‘n cheese, and more. Those 21 years of age and older were also provided with two tickets per person for alcoholic beverages.

The event was free for First Responders and $10 per person for their family and friends.  A 50/50 raffle and prize raffle were also available to round out the festivities. 

“We appreciate the courage and dedication of our Lake County First Responders and are grateful for all they do to keep our community safe. HeroFest is simply our way of showing our appreciation for the critical role they play,” said UWLC President and CEO Dione DeMitro.

Proceeds from the raffle and the event will benefit first responders’ scholarships through The Lakeland Foundation, mental health services provided by Crossroads Health, and United Way of Lake County’s most vulnerable residents.

According to HeroFest founder Morris Beverage III of Lighthouse Advisers, who now partners with United Way of Lake County to present the event, “HeroFest is our chance to say thank you for the sacrifices made by both our First Responders and their families. We are grateful for this opportunity to give back to those who give so much of themselves.”

Presenting sponsors included Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Griffin Technology Group, and Lighthouse Advisers. Additional sponsors included the Cleveland Clinic, Lake Erie Distillery, the Jeff Kirkner Memorial Foundation, Artemis Awards and Apparel, and Fast Signs (Mentor).