Embrace the Journey Signature Event Recap

Embrace the Journey 2024

We are pleased to announce that this year's Signature Event, Embrace the Journey, will take place on Saturday, October 19 at the Emerge Event Center. As the event has grown in attendance and support, the timing is right to bring this event home to Emerge.

"The event was created to build awareness and a base of individual and business support. This event has certainly exceeded my goals and expectations. In the first two years, a total of 525 people came together to raise nearly $465,000 for the mission of Emerge. That is pretty remarkable and a testament to the community's belief in our innovative work."

— Elaine Bonner, Event Chair

2024 Honorary Chair: Jim Tressel

Last year, Honorary Co-Chairs Beth and Doug Mann shared how our community has been waiting for a place like Emerge. Their organization, FLOC – For the Love of Children, offers dozens of programs to serve the needs of foster youth. Beth and Doug toured Emerge and fell in love with the vision and support to bring health and hope to people suffering with substance use disorders.

Beth and Doug will be on hand this year to introduce our 2024 Honorary Chair, Jim Tressel. Former OSU football Coach, he currently serves as President Emeritus at Youngstown State University. He is passionate about creating a healthy workforce and extending opportunities to those who are seeking to rebuild their lives.

"We are honored that Jim supports this work and has devoted time in his schedule to be with us."

— Elaine Bonner

A Powerful Response

The evening featured appearances from Lt. Gov., former Buckeye football head coach Jim Tressel, and a heartfelt personal message from Five Star Home Service's Tiffany Williams. "Applause broke out, which is not normal," one attendee said. "I realized an engaged audience was present and willing to support this program. And they did."

FLOC Partnership

Doug and Beth Mann invest their support with FLOC (For the Love of Children), a nonprofit organization that has expanded to provide 16 programs to bring love and joy to kids in foster care. Emerge plans to step in as a resource with housing, life skills, vocational programs, and job placement when these kids age out of the foster care system.

Thank You

To everyone who attended, donated, volunteered, or lifted us up in prayer — thank you. Your generosity through sponsorships, instant items, auction support, and prayer made space for real transformation.

We look forward to continuing this journey together and celebrating even more milestones in the years ahead.