Rainbow Connection welcomes new board members

At its January meeting, the Tuscarawas Society for Children & Adults Inc. — better known as Rainbow Connection — welcomed three new members to its board of directors: Shonda Davis, Mandy Garver and Chris Lane.

They join board President Karon Baker, the Rev. Brian Flood, Chona Kinsey, Christine Hensel, Joe McCartney, Franscene Davis, Scott Finnell, Donna Beitzel, Brad Zimmerman and Angie Tango.

“Every board needs to grow and get new ideas, and that’s what we have done by adding these three active community members,” Baker said. “Chris, Shonda and Mandy are already making a big impact in our community, and we’re eager to see them bring that energy to Rainbow Connection.”

“I know what it’s like to be the new guy here,” Executive Director Perci Garner said. “It was obvious from the time I joined Rainbow Connection that I was surrounded by a generous board dedicated to the future of not only our organization but all of Tuscarawas County. I’m excited to bring these three to the table.”

Davis is an award-winning Realtor with Keller Williams Legacy Group Realty, serving northeast Ohio. She is a Tusky Valley graduate and a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. She and her husband, Bob, are the parents of four adult children.

Garver is the general sales manager for WJER and WTUZ radio and was honored as a 2024 Leading Lady of Tuscarawas County. She, her husband, Ben, and their son, Zach, live in Dover.

“My connection to Rainbow Connection runs deep,” Garver said. “My parents, Bill and Pat Walkosak, previously served on the organization’s board for years, and I grew up attending Rainbow Connection telethons. Those experiences left a lasting impression on me and helped shape my passion for the organization and the meaningful support it provides to individuals and families throughout our community.”

Lane is vice president of operations and a franchisee of BASEC Management Inc., along with his business partner and wife, Emily Lane. They own eight restaurants in Tuscarawas, Carroll, Stark and Coshocton counties.

Lane served seven years in the U.S. Army, completing noncombat deployments to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Qatar, as well as a combat deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom II. He serves on several brand advisory boards for Wendy’s, is a board member of the United Way of Tuscarawas County and is treasurer of Troop 94 Scouts BSA in Dover.

Chris and Emily Lane are parents of Lucas, Elizabeth, Abigail and Addison. The family lives in Dover and is active in the YMCA swimming program.

During the January meeting, Rainbow Connection approved assistance for 10 households to help with medical and dental bills, prescriptions and hearing aids. The organization’s 53rd annual telethon is March 8 at 11 a.m. and will air on Spectrum Channel 15, the organization’s social media accounts and at tuscrainbow.org.

Rainbow Connection is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit health charity dedicated to assisting Tuscarawas County residents who are disabled or disadvantaged, as well as the schools and organizations that support them. Those seeking assistance with health or medical expenses may contact Rainbow Connection at 330-343-8686 or info@tuscrainbow.org.