GALION, Ohio — Saturday’s rain kept some Buckeye fans indoors for the big game, but United Way of Crawford County kept the party alive in Avita Health System’s parking lot in Galion.
Every away-game of the Buckeye vs. Wolverines game, United Way hosts a tailgate and watch party in Galion’s hospital parking lot. The tradition carried on Saturday, despite the cold, rainy weather.
“We are going to stay warm and have fun,” said chairwoman of the tailgate party Pennie Fox.
The party was complete with raffle drawings, auction items, a tent with big screen TVs, game-day food and, of course, Ohio State Buckeyes garb.
Fox said about 35 individuals had reserved a parking spot, which sold for $50 each, for the annual tailgate party that was started in 1998 by former United Way president Dr. Jim Goudy. The money raised goes directly to United Way of Crawford County.
The organization supports over 30 different agencies within the county under three main umbrellas: education, health and income, explained United Way president Vanessa Shutler.
Shutler, an Ohio State graduate, was hired to join the United Way’s team in Crawford County in November.
“I’m excited to be a part of the family here in Galion and to get things running,” she said while counting raffle tickets in the heated tent.
Before landing the new president position at United Way of Crawford County, she spent six years with the Crawford County Board of Developmental Disabilities. She’s also served as the Community Employment Manager and the Supervisor of a four-county partnership and state agency contract.
Every year, she explained, United Way of Crawford County starts a funding campaign that ends by March 31. The funds go back to their partner agencies which include the YMCA, Salvation Army, Red Cross, Community Counseling, Jericho House and others.
This year, the fundraising goal is $300,000. Shutler said, as of, Nov. 28 they were 50 percent there.
“That’s really good so far because we haven’t even secured donations from corporations yet,” she said.
Goudy, the former United Way of Crawford County president, said the first year brought in $6,000 for the organization. The second year, $37,000.
“The goal is get more and more people out here,” said Goudy, visibly disappointed by the weather. One year, he reminisced, there were 600 cars, truck and RVs parked in the parking lot for the tailgate party.
“But we had really good weather,” he said.
Nevertheless, diehard fans came. Some set up their own tents and cooked hotdogs, burgers and brats. A common topic loomed in conversation — stories of experiences at the Horse Shoe stadium, light-hearted bad-mouthing of the Wolverines, singing the OSU fight song.
They were all ready to watch their favorite team stomp the team up north.
“OSU is going to do it,” said Shutler.
For more information on United Way of Crawford County, visit their website or call 419-468-4291.
