fundraiser recipients
2024
The ARC of Ohio in Mercer County
Is an organization dedicated to serving individuals of all ages with developmental disabilities and their families in our communities in various ways. the ARC sponsors many social events throughout the year for children and adults with disabilities. Activities such as bowling, movies, golf outings, swimming parties, ballgames, bingo, and holiday events are planned each month. Also offered are therapeutic painting classes, arts and crafts, healthy cooking classes and more. they support Mercer County Special Olympics, reimburses Arc members for registration and hotel costs for attending conferences related to their child's disability. They also financially assist with the cost of camp for children and adults with disabilities, who are members of the Arc.
Cancer Association of Mercer County
The Cancer Association of Mercer County (CAMC) is a non-profit tax exempt organization, which became incorporated in 1997. CAMC is totally local and independent with a Mercer County Board. It was created solely for the purpose of helping cancer patients of Mercer County, Ohio survive their disease physically, emotionally and financially. Their mission statement is "Where there is help, there is hope". They hold multiple fundraising events throughout the year like the Wally Post Open, Stone Tiger Challenge, Hopefest, Guy's Night Out & Girl's Night Out
Muscular Dystrophy Association
Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) is the #1 voluntary health organization in the United States for people living with muscular dystrophy, ALS, and related neuromuscular diseases. For over 70 years, MDA has led the way in accelerating research, advancing care, and advocating for the support of their families. MDA's mission is to empower the people we serve to live longer, more independent lives. The MDA was the reason why this tournament began. For 40 years our organization and softball tournament donated 100% of the funds to the MDA for research & care and services. We value this organization for what they do and continue to donate proceeds from this tournament along with local organizations and families in need.
Matt House
Almost 30 years ago while living in Arizona, Matt contracted valley fever, an infection caused by a fungus, which resulted in doctors removing 2/3 of his lungs. 10 years later, Matt, at 30 years old became sick and was in congestive heart failure with kidney failure. After having both kidneys fail, matt lived on dialysis for over a year to hopefully find a donor. His fiance Liz, who was a perfect match, donated one of her kidneys to her now husband and gave him a healthy life for the last 15 years. In February of 2024 Matt woke up to severe abdominal pain. He was transported to OSU Hospital to discover an aneurysm on his only kidney and the doctors spent 3 hours trying to save his kidney but were unable to do so. Matt is now on home-based dialysis that he has to do several times a day and overnight and is on a transplant waitlist. Liz works full-time and Matt is now back to work part-time because of his daily dialysis. They are actively looking for donors. Until he finds a match, they will face many financial burdens as he will continue to have home-based dialysis, doctor appointments and hospital stays. Matt and his wife Liz, and their daughter Clara live in Coldwater.
Michael Nix Family
Five years ago, Michael was a normal nine-year old kid. On September 13, 2019 he was riding his bike when he was struck by a dump truck. God helped us get the help we needed right away from the care from Coldwater hospital to one of the fastest care flights in record to Dayton Children's. Michael suffered a severe traumatic brain injury, fractured vertebrae and other injuries. Michael is a fighter though, he persevered through almost six months in the hospital. He still needs help of a wheelchair, trach, and communication device. Michael continues to fight and improve. He goes to therapy every week day mostly at the Neurological Center, and aquatic therapy at Western Ohio therapy in Greenville. Michael lives in Coldwater with his parents Greg and Sarah Nix and his sister Allison.
Dan Dysert
In 2023, at the age of 51, Dan was treated for a mass on his brain.. He had brain surgery on 11-23-2023 and the biopsy showed it was Glioblastoma grade 4. He went through radiation with chemo treatment from mid January 2024 through early March. Chemo treatments started again in April for 5 days every month for 5 months if bloodwork and MRI's allow. As Glioblastoma is terminal Dan and his family, who live in Minster, do not believe in timelines and they like to live day to day.
Neil Schmitz
Neil is 42 years old, part owner of Schmitz Enterprises Inc (a construction company), and is married to Angie who works at the St. Henry Schools. They have four children together: Emma (11), Addison (10), Bennett (8), and Brooks (6). Neil loves to spend time with his family and friends and to follow all sports; especially the St. Henry Redskins, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Reds & Dayton Flyers. Neil is an athlete at heart and will continue fighting this aggressive disease with hopes of a full recovery. Let us keep the Schmitz family in our daily prayers. Your generous tip will help cover their ongoing medical bills. Thank you and God bless! Not that long ago, Neil was making headlines as a star pitcher for the St. Henry Redskins and Bowling Green State University. However, in October 2023, Neil spent over two weeks at OSU’s Brain & Spine Hospital in Columbus for tests and evaluations, eventually being diagnosed & treated for autoimmune cerebellar ataxia, a disease that affects the brain and nervous system. From there, he spent two weeks in a rehab hospital in Dublin to regain his strength and mobility to allow for independent care. He also spent two weeks at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota in January for additional testing and treatments. Neil is currently undergoing monthly chemo at OSU in Dublin and is doctoring closely with Mayo Clinic & OSU’s top team of neurologists Neil loves to spend time with his family and friends and to follow all sports; especially the St. Henry Redskins, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Reds & Dayton Flyers. Neil is an athlete at heart and will continue fighting this aggressive disease with hopes of a full recovery.
Eric Hemmelgarn
Eric Hemmelgarn, the youngest of four sons born to Gary & Sharon reside in St. Henry. They knew their life’s journey was to change dramatically when Eric was diagnosed with a rare form of muscular dystrophy when he was six months old. His diagnosis of Congenital Muscular Dystrophy is a progressive disease that slowly weakens all the muscles throughout his body. This particular type of dystrophy also manifests with seizures. The doctors always proclaim that he is lucky to still be with us at 36 years of age. With the support of his family, friends, health care aides, therapists, doctors, and the “mountains” of medical equipment required, Eric is able to keep a positive attitude and pursue his passion in graphic design.
