Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
WE LEAD Kosciusko recently brought together community members, nonprofit organizations, service clubs and local leaders for an evening focused on discovering opportunities to serve, lead and make a difference throughout Kosciusko County.
The event, held Aug. 5, provided attendees with the opportunity to connect directly with organizations working to strengthen the community and learn more about ways to volunteer, get involved and support local causes, according to a provided news release.
The evening was emceed by Trisha Musall, of Joe’s Kids, and featured speakers representing five pillars of community involvement. Rachael Rhoades spoke about opportunities to engage with elected officials and opportunities to run for office, while Ben Rice shared information about serving on community boards and commissions. Marlene Mulero-Betances highlighted the impact of service clubs, and Alex Hall discussed the important role of nonprofits in the community. Allyn Decker also shared information about the Kosciusko Leadership Academy and opportunities for leadership development.
The event also featured guest speaker Barb Ridley, who shared her experiences and encouraged attendees to find meaningful ways to become involved and make a difference in their community.
Exhibitors included 100 Lakes Clubhouse, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana, Cardinal Services, CASA of Kosciusko County, Habitat for Humanity, Heartline Pregnancy Center, Hoosier Lakes Radio Club, Joe’s Kids, Kiwanis Club of Warsaw, the Kosciusko County CERT Program, the Kosciusko County Community Foundation, the Kosciusko County Soil & Water Conservation District, Stillwater Hospice, The Watershed Foundation, United Way Whitley & Kosciusko, Warsaw Breakfast Optimist Club, Wawasee Compass, Young Democrats of Kosciusko County and the campaign for Katelyn Smith for Wayne Township.
The event was made possible through the support of sponsors Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Indiana, Cardinal Services, Habitat for Humanity, Heartline Pregnancy Center, Kiwanis Club of Warsaw, the Kosciusko County CERT Program, the Kosciusko County Soil & Water Conservation District, Stillwater Hospice, United Way Whitley & Kosciusko, The Watershed Foundation, Young Democrats of Kosciusko County and the Campaign for Katelyn Smith for Wayne Township, Rabb Water Systems, KEDCO and Orange Marketing Group.
Raffle winners were JoAnne Alvarez and Terry White.
“We are so grateful to everyone who attended, exhibited, sponsored, spoke and helped make this event possible,” said WE LEAD Kosciusko President Liz McCullough. “Our goal was to create a space where people could connect with organizations and discover meaningful ways to get involved in our community. We are excited about the connections that were made and the opportunities that will come from bringing so many people together.”
WE LEAD Kosciusko is a community-focused event designed to connect residents with volunteer opportunities, service organizations, and like-minded individuals throughout Kosciusko County. By bringing together people and organizations with a shared passion for serving others, WE LEAD hopes to inspire more residents to get involved and make a positive impact in the community, the release states.
For more information about WE LEAD Kosciusko, follow the organization on LinkedIn, contact weleadkosciusko@gmail.com or visit the website at https://www.kosciusko.in.gov/egov/apps/document/center.egov?view=item&id=3600
