Lake Township FISH banquet tops $40K

A full house of 400 people filled the Hartville Kitchen banquet room Sept. 9 to celebrate Lake Township FISH’s past year of service and hear plans for the future. The evening raised $25,409 in donations. With the Christ Foundation’s $15,000 match, the total reached $40,409 to support FISH’s mission of helping neighbors in need.

The Cleveland Keys Dueling Pianos returned for the third year to provide music and entertainment for FISH’s largest fundraiser. Guests also bid on donated items during a silent auction, adding to the night’s total.

Director Kelsey Wood highlighted the organization’s impact over the past year. The FISH Food Pantry served 1,556 households with more than 270,000 meals. Through a partnership with the Heart of Ohio Diaper Bank, nearly 10,000 diapers were distributed, and 346 food boxes went to senior citizens. Financial assistance included $26,841 toward housing and $18,489 for utilities. By spending $11,057 at the Akron-Canton Foodbank, FISH secured $70,822 worth of food.

Wood also shared updates on the Agape Bread Ministry, which FISH began administering in January. Since then, Agape has distributed bakery products to 106 churches and pantries, while 3,219 families have received bread directly during distribution days. In total, more than 256,000 baked goods have been given away.

Holiday programs continue to play a central role. At Thanksgiving, 19 local churches each collected 300 of a specific food item to create complete holiday meals. Last year, 244 families received those meals. At Christmas, FISH partnered with the Lake Local Schools Care Team and Love Our Community to create a shopping event where parents and guardians could select gifts for their children. In December, 220 children received presents through that program.

Wood took time to thank many who make FISH’s work possible, beginning with her assistant, Melody McGaha. She expressed gratitude to the Christ Foundation for matching funds and to longtime supporters such as the Hartville Thrift Shoppe and the HRM businesses and Miller family. She also praised Hartville Kitchen for donating the venue, food and labor each year. “This organization would not be able to function without each of you,” she told attendees. “Thank you for continually showing up for this community, whether that is volunteering your time, sending your prayers or donating financially.”

Wood also addressed the needs that remain in Lake Township. She cited figures showing 4,471 residents are eligible for food pantry assistance, though only about 1,500 came to FISH last year. “Providing for a family is difficult,” she said. “According to the Stark Community Foundation, 740 people renting their homes here in Lake Township are spending an average of 39% of their income on rent. Twenty-one percent of students here are enrolled in free and reduced lunch, and we know the number eligible is higher than the number enrolled.”

FISH is in the final stages of renovating a new facility at 13155 Market Ave. N. with upgraded shelving, carts and furniture funded in part by grants. Wood said the goal is to create “a beautiful space for clients to shop, a space that welcomes them with warmth and compassion, and, hopefully, a space that can remove the stigma of shame that surrounds asking for help.”

Two longtime volunteers, Tom and Jan Dwenger, were recognized for a combined 40 years of service. They received plaques reading: “40 years of service, In Recognition of Your Shared Leadership and Dedication to Serving Your Community, September 2025.”

“As much as this evening is our largest fundraiser, I hope it also honors your ‘yes,’” Wood said in closing. “You have said yes to donating your time, your prayers and your resources to further our efforts. Thank you for partnering with us to create a neighbor-to-neighbor network of support in our community.”

Donations to Lake Township FISH are accepted year-round at laketownshipfish.org.