Scherlacher is the new development director at Ridge Area Arc

by admin | Jun 22, 2019 | Press Release

For Immediate Release:

Media Contact: Kathleen Border

863-452-1295

Scherlacher is the new development director at Ridge Area Arc

Donna Scherlacher recently took on the role of development director at local non-profit Ridge Area Arc. As development director, Scherlacher is tasked with promoting and advocating for the people with intellectual and developmental disabilities that the agency serves through consistent marketing campaigns and an increased social media presence. She will create and implement fundraising events throughout the year, including the upcoming Escape to Kokomo fundraising dinner on April 13.

“We are excited to have Donna as part of our team,” said Kathleen Border, CEO. “Donna brings a unique blend of skills, everything from social media marketing to out of the box thinking; even her artistic abilities will be a big asset to the agency. In her first two days I had her tying scarfs around lamp posts across the county, so I know she is up for anything.”

Scherlacher is a Florida native and mother of two, born and raised in Miami. She is a University of Florida graduate with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design. Scherlacher previously worked as the multi-media director for the Highlands News-Sun. She began her newspaper career in 1992 as an advertising artist, and then moved into the newsroom incorporating digital and social media as well as leading the production department.

“I am so excited to take on a new challenge at this point in my life and thrilled for the opportunity to work with such an incredible organization,” Scherlacher said. “If there is one thing I learned from being at a community newspaper, it is that giving back is exceptionally important for our future. My new position gives me an opportunity to use the things I’ve learned over the years to support Arc and all of its non-profit partners.”

Ridge Area Arc is a private, not for profit 501(c)3 organization, which was founded in 1957 by Franklyn and Mary Ellen Ward. Ridge Area Arc provides an array of services and support for nearly 200 families and individuals across Highlands and its surrounding counties. The agency is devoted to promoting and improving supports and services for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our vision is that every individual and family affected by intellectual disability in our service area has access to the information, advocacy, and skills they need to participate as active citizens of our democracy and active members of their community. For more information about Ridge Area Arc, please call 863-452-1295.

Scarf Bomb Explodes in Local Downtown Areas to Raise Awareness

by admin | Jun 22, 2019 | Press Release

For Immediate Release:

Media Contact: Donna Scherlacher

Development Director

Ridge Area Arc

863-452-1295

Scarf Bomb Explodes in Local Downtown Areas to Raise Awareness

Ridge Area Arc and Heartland Horses Equine Activities want to warn Highlands County that a scarf bomb has exploded or is coming to a downtown near you. Main Street in Avon Park and Devane Park in Lake Placid have already been scarf bombed as part of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. Sebring scarf bombing will take place on Monday, March 18. 

The agencies employees tied scarfs to light posts and trees in an effort to raise awareness for the several hundred individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities served in Highlands and the surrounding areas. People are encouraged to walk the areas, pick out a scarf and take a selfie with their new scarf on, tag their photos to the Ridge Area Arc Facebook page or on Twitter at Ridge Area Arc #RAArc and #DDaware19.

“Scarf bombing is a warm and fuzzy way for us to raise awareness for the people we serve,” said Kathleen Border, Ridge Area Arc CEO. “Whether it’s volunteering in the community for other non-profits or competing in Special STARS activities, our consumers do so many great things throughout the year but March is the month that we are able to collectively celebrate our victories.” 

Ridge Area Arc and Heartland Horse were also honored with proclamations during the recent city council meetings in Avon Park, Sebring and Lake Placid. The elected officials in all three cities read proclamations that included the verbiage, whereas it is necessary and appropriate that local communities such as ours support the mission and purpose of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and encourage their citizens to recognize and respect this important commemoration. 

For more information about Ridge Area Arc or its programs, please call 863-452-1295 or for information about Heartland Horse please call 863-452-0006. 

Cutline: Beau Cooper and Devyn Cooper of Lake Placid show off the St. Patrick’s Day scarfs they picked at Devane Park after  the Scarf Bombing.

Brewington Press Release May 21 2019

by admin | Jun 22, 2019 | Press Release

Local man makes finals for Salt and Pepper Outstanding Senior Award

Bobby Brewington nominated for Community Service and Volunteerism

AVON PARK – The Senior Connection Salt and Pepper Outstanding Senior Awards were created as a tribute to the late Honorable Claude Pepper, whose commitment to improving the lives of seniors and whose accomplishments as an older American continue to inspire others today. Any individual age 60 or older, who resides in Hillsborough, Polk, Manatee, Highlands or Hardee County can be nominated by a member of the community. Bobby Brewington was nominated by Ridge Area Arc CEO, Kathleen Border in the category of Community Service and Volunteerism and was one of three finalists in the category. 

“When I read the criteria for the volunteer aware recognition I immediately thought of Bobby,” said Border. “He is always smiling and never hesitates to help in any way that he can, for literally any person he knows needs a helping hand. At just shy of 80 years old, he isn’t letting anything slow him down.”

Brewington volunteers through Ridge Area Arc’s Adult Day Training program and is never seen without a smile on his face. Brewington will celebrate his 80^th birthday in December and even though he has very limited use of one hand, and sometimes has difficulty, he feels it is important to give back to the community.

Never to be held back from his goals to serve, Brewington understands the concept of paying it forward and caring for others. He has given dozens of hours of his time to several non-profit agencies in the Highlands County community including Ridge Area Arc, Aktion Club Community Garden, the Sebring Strong Garage Sale to benefit the families of the SunTrust shooting victims, Highlands County Housing Authority and Highlands County Humane society.

Five winners, one from each category: Education and Mentoring; Health and Wellness; Business and Entrepreneurship; Arts and Entertainment; Health and Wellness; Community Service and Volunteerism; Philanthropy, were celebrated at the Ride & Shine Inspirational Breakfast & Awards Ceremony in Tampa.

About Ridge Area Arc

Ridge Area Arc is a private, not for profit 501(c)3 organization, which was founded in 1957 by Franklyn and Mary Ellen Ward. Ridge Area Arc provides an array of services and support for nearly 200 families and individuals across Highlands and its surrounding counties. The agency is devoted to promoting and improving supports and services for all people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Our vision is that every individual and family affected by intellectual disability in our service area has access to the information, advocacy, and skills they need to participate as active citizens of our democracy and active members of their community. For more information about Ridge Area Arc, please call 863-452-1295.

About Senior Connection Center

Senior Connection Center is a private, not for profit 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to help older adults and persons with disabilities live with independence and dignity. Senior Connection Center achieves this by connecting seniors and their caregivers to the community resources, programs and services they need.

Bobby Brewington with his finalist plaque. Brewington was nominated in the Community Service and Volunteerism category of the 2019 Salt & Pepper Outstanding Senior Awards.