Merril Hoge, guest speaker, left, with RHS football coach Todd Drusback and former NFL and UT quarterback Bruce Gradkowski.
Nearly 300 attend Building Futures Extravaganza
The Bulldog Foundation’s first Building Futures Extravaganza was held May 31 with nearly 300 in attendance.
“And an evening to remember it was,” said Doug Miller, Bulldog Foundation president.
Lee Conklin, of WTVG Channel 13, opened the program by auctioning off six seats at the head table with keynote speaker Merril Hoge, as well as special guest Bruce Gradkowski. Matthew Skotynsky from Skotynsky Financial was the winning bidder.
Mr. Miller honored special guests in four categories:
- Education/Patricia Gladieux Award Winners – Michael Markowiak, Amy Wagner, Diane Burtchin, Sarah Stewart and Denise Cousino-Hill.
- Distinguished Alumni – James Richards and Joseph “Moe” Minarcin.
- Athletic Hall of Fame – Amanda Heban and Jeremy Espinoza.
- Military – James A. Rossler Sr., David A. Weaks, Devon Childress and Al Espen.
Mr. Miller explained that the foundation has awarded and will continue to award classroom grants providing resources for teachers. Additionally, the foundation will begin awarding scholarships to students.
It further plans to provide funding to enhance the main hallway through the new Rossford High School, honoring the history, tradition and potential of students.
Interactive terminals in the hallway will highlight the Athletic Hall of Fame, distinguished alumni and military veterans. A rotating fourth terminal will feature additional activities such as the chess team, marching band, theater, etc. as selected by the school.
Jackie Huffman provided the invocation, followed by dinner. Dessert was Papa Moose’s donuts which decorated each table as a centerpiece.
Merril Hoge, former Pittsburgh Steelers running back, ESPN analyst and cancer Survivor, gave a speech “Find A Way.”
“Many attendees mentioned they were captivated by Mr. Hoge as he spoke on confronting and overcoming adversity, whether it be making it to the NFL or beating cancer,” Mr. Miller said. “Merril Hoge was a perfect speaker for our inaugural event as his message resonates well with the mission of the foundation.”
VIP table sponsors were Gilbane Building Company, Mercy Health, the Collaborative/ TMP and Program Solutions Group, and Shumaker Loop & Kendrick/Doug Miller.
Recognition table sponsors (sponsored tables for the honorees) included Genoa Bank, Owens Community College, Pilkington North America, and Huntington Bank.
Other sponsors included Impact Products, Moe’s Place, Nordmann Roofing, Huffman/Keller Family and Skotynsky Financial.
Students Amanda Thammavongsa and John Bergstrom filmed and edited the video for the program, and several National Honor Society students assisted with seating.
Other in-kind contributors were Hilton Garden Inn, Triple D Printing, Todd Drusback, Welch Publishing/Rossford Record Journal, Victoria Loar for the web page design and Matthew Thompson for photography.
Founding Level sponsors for the foundation who donated $10,000 or more are Ed and Linda Reiter and an anonymous donor.
Mr. Miller also thanked donors at the following levels: Legacy – Class of 1955, Patron – Class of 1966, and Supporters – First Solar, Joe and Mary Schaller and JoAnn Haddad.
“Mark your calendars now for next year’s event on May 30, 2019,” he added.
To learn more, visit the website: thebulldogfoundation.org.