Funds Raised Will Provide Affordable Services for Grieving Children, Teens and Adults
Nonprofit bereavement center Cornerstone of Hope recently hosted its annual tasting event, Taste of Hope, on Thursday, September 8, 2022. The event was held on the grounds of Cornerstone of Hope, located at 5905 Brecksville Road, Independence, Ohio 44131. The event raises funds annually for Cornerstone of Hope’s Financial Assistance Program, which provides affordable services for grieving children, teens and adults in need. This year, Taste of Hope raised nearly $135,000 — exceeding last year’s total by more than 25 percent. The exponential increase will allow Cornerstone of Hope to respond to the record high demand seen in 2022 and anticipated in 2023 for grief counseling, support groups and children’s bereavement camps.
450 guests enjoyed a casual evening of spectacular food and drink samplings from over two dozen area restaurants, plus entertainment and raffles. Several Ohio government officials were in attendance including the Mayor of Independence, Gregory P. Kurtz and State Representative Thomas F. Patton.
A highlight of the evening was the speech given by Taste of Hope’s “Toast of the Night” honoree, Kelsey Loushin, President of Eldercare Professionals of Ohio, LLC. Kelsey gave a moving testimony describing how she has gone full circle from advocate, to client, to support group facilitator for Cornerstone of Hope’s Overdose Loss support groups. She stated:
“… If you’ve experienced a loss … this is the place that can help…. They’ve helped me, I see the changes in people as they go through groups … I watch them understand that in spite of their loss, they can live with it, survive it, and thrive ultimately.…”
Presenting Sponsor for Taste of Hope 2022 was Enerco Group Inc./Mr. Heater, Cynthia & Allen Haire, supporters of the organization since 2004. Additional event sponsors included Covia Holdings, LLC, Miceli’s, Premier Truck Sales and Rental, Inc., and Tito’s. Participating restaurants this year included Pier W, Corleone’s Ristorante & Bar, Delmonico’s Steakhouse/Hospitality Restaurants, Luca Italian Cuisine, Mallorca Restaurant, and many more.
Cornerstone of Hope is a nonprofit comprehensive bereavement support center that has served Northeast Ohio communities for almost 20 years. Cornerstone of Hope is dedicated to providing counseling, support, and education to grieving children, teens and adults. Therapy and Christian counseling services, support groups, children’s grief camps, and professional trainings are conducted by Master’s level, licensed clinicians who have extensive experience working with grief and trauma. All of Cornerstone’s support services are offered at an affordable cost. For more information and contact details for each office location, visit cornerstoneofhope.org.
