The Mansfield Friendly House’s annual Steak Fry event will take place on Saturday, October 18. Social hour starts at 5 p.m. at Hidden Hollow Camp on 5127 Possum Run Rd., Bellville with a dinner following at 6:30 p.m.
Mansfield’s Friendly House is a longtime non-profit organization that promotes education, healthy choices and exercise. The organization has had a presence in Richland County since 1899 and has used its current building since 1949.
In recent years, the Friendly House started hosting an annual fundraising event to help maintain its presence in Richland County. All of the proceeds raised from this event go toward supporting the various programs offered to children.
The Steak Fry event allows patrons to sponsor the event, buy a table or to attend the event by the purchase of a single ticket. The ticket includes a steak dinner and a spot at a table. As of October 6, there are 200 tickets sold, with many community organizations and business leaders as sponsors to the event. Some include Mill Iron Recycling, Jay Plastics, Century Link, MT Business Technologies, Baker’s Collision, and Mechanics.
Raffle prizes and a cash bar will be available. The event is open to the general public. According to Director Terry Conard, Friendly House’s would like to raise $8,000 through the event.
“Many people like the event because it’s not really programmed. You’re not going to sit there for hours listening to people talk,” said Conard.
Conard has been Friendly House’s Director for seven years, but has been involved with the organization for 37 years. Over the years, he said the most rewarding aspect has been seeing students succeed in their lives.
“Seeing some of these long term affects is the most rewarding thing for me. It takes years to see the difference we’re making. And you know, the kids aren’t mandated to be here, so to see them smile everyday makes me look forward to each day,” said Conard.
Conard remembers one situation particularly well.
“There were two brothers once, with a single mom. They both came through Friendly House when they were 6 [years-old] through high school. The oldest now has a doctorate and lives in Columbus. He’s very successful today and he comes back every year with a donation and to spend time with the kids,” shared Conard. “I think it’s because of the Friendly House and his loving mom.”
Conard said the organization’s programs are to all children.
“We accept any kid, regardless of income,” he said.
Their are numerous programs offered through the Friendly House, which are located on their website, or call 419-522-0521. They are located in Mansfield on 380 North Mulberry Street.
“It takes years to see the difference we’re making. And you know, the kids aren’t mandated to be here, so to see them smile everyday makes me look forward to each day,” said Conard.
