Teamwork makes the dream work!!
XENIA — With several hundred community leaders in attendance and more than $370,000 having been raised so far, the third annual “Embrace the Journey” Signature Fundraising Event at Emerge Recovery & Trade Initiative is being applauded by everyone who attended as a major success.
The night was truly unforgettable!
In addition to OSU Football Legend Jim Tressel serving as honorary chairman, former Buckeye Legends Troy Smith and Teddy Ginn Jr. also made appearances as surprise guests.
Up-and-coming country music singer Jackson Snelling performed several popular songs and Emerge’s own Mandy Adkins gave a powerful testimony as the non-profit organization gears up for another year of helping those in need throughout our communities.
America’s Packard Museum delivered a rare roadster to honor Coach Tressel’s involvement, a 1930 Model 734 Boat-Tail Speedster in scarlet and gray which delighted our guests with many photo opportunities. It is believed that 39 Speedster boattails were built, of which only 11 survive, so what a special treat to have this car on site. You can see this car and many more at the Packard Museum: America’s Packard Museum
In the following article, we caught up with some of our guests, sponsors and supporters to get their thoughts and reflections on this truly wonderful evening:
“The ‘Embrace the Journey’ event was truly inspiring,” said Christian Rattin, CEO of Five Star Home Services. “It was incredible to see the community come together to support Emerge Recovery & Trade Initiative’s mission. What stood out to me the most was the powerful combination of heartfelt stories, Coach Tressel’s words, and Jackson Snelling’s unforgettable performance — it perfectly captured the spirit of hope and transformation. The energy in the room was amazing, and you could feel the collective passion for making a difference. One of the most moving moments was hearing Mandy Adkins share her incredible journey of overcoming addiction. Her testimony was a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of community in creating lasting change. Hearing her story firsthand was powerful and inspiring — it brought the mission of Emerge to life in a deeply personal way.
Rattin said he was also moved by how Emerge is not just offering recovery, but also creating pathways to sustainable futures.
“That’s a mission we at Five Star Home Services are proud to stand behind,” he said. “Seeing the impact that Emerge has already made — and knowing this is just the beginning— makes me so excited about what’s ahead. We can’t wait to continue partnering with them and being part of something that truly changes lives.”
Officials at Five Star Home Services said the Profit On Purpose Company was more than honored to serve as the Signature Sponsor.
Additionally, other community leaders in attendance say they were very much impressed by Mandy Atkins’ story.
“Our entire team felt the story shared by Mandy showed her bravery and God’s redemptive healing power,” said Aram Beam, founder of Trustpar, a technology partner for organizations outsourcing their strategic IT planning. “We had a great night.”
Dick Reynolds, retired Lt. General of the United States Air Force, said the evening was incredible.
“The Signature Event at Emerge Recovery & Trade Initiative was a joy to attend,” Lt. Reynolds said. “From start to stop, the careful planning, flawless execution, and energetic and uplifting crowd participation was evident everywhere. Mandy Adkin’s testimony of her personal recovery journey and Coach Tressel’s inspirational remarks were true highlights, but the most impressive aspect was the spirit and vibe that washed over the proceedings — the courage and commitment on the part of the founders and staff to take on this most critical mission, and all the good it brings to so many! Joani and I were blessed to be part of the evening, and we look forward to next year’s event.”
A retired military leader who spent the day with Coach Tressel while serving in Iraq many years ago, Sal Nodjomian, was a part of the coach’s speech that evening. Later, Sal reflected on how the evening is one that he will never forget.
“Emerge is one of the finest organizations I’ve had the honor of being associated with,” said Mr. Nodjomian, who is now the CEO of Matrix. “The passionate staff and dedicated volunteers are changing lives on a daily basis. Coach Tressel was the ideal keynote speaker for the evening. His compassion for this cause was evident in his heartfelt stories and his well curated anecdotes. It was an honor to be in his presence.”
Additionally, other community leaders in attendance say they were very much impressed by Mandy Atkins’ story.
“Our entire team felt the story shared by Mandy showed her bravery and God’s redemptive healing power,” said Aram Beam, founder of Trustpar, a technology partner for organizations outsourcing their strategic IT planning. “We had a great night.”
Dick Reynolds, retired Lt. General of the United States Air Force, said the evening was incredible.
“The Signature Event at Emerge Recovery & Trade Initiative was a joy to attend,” Lt. Reynolds said. “From start to stop, the careful planning, flawless execution, and energetic and uplifting crowd participation was evident everywhere. Mandy Adkin’s testimony of her personal recovery journey and Coach Tressel’s inspirational remarks were true highlights, but the most impressive aspect was the spirit and vibe that washed over the proceedings — the courage and commitment on the part of the founders and staff to take on this most critical mission, and all the good it brings to so many! Joani and I were blessed to be part of the evening, and we look forward to next year’s event.”
A retired military leader who spent the day with Coach Tressel while serving in Iraq many years ago, Sal Nodjomian, was a part of the coach’s speech that evening. Later, Sal reflected on how the evening is one that he will never forget.
“Emerge is one of the finest organizations I’ve had the honor of being associated with,” said Mr. Nodjomian, who is now the CEO of Matrix. “The passionate staff and dedicated volunteers are changing lives on a daily basis. Coach Tressel was the ideal keynote speaker for the evening. His compassion for this cause was evident in his heartfelt stories and his well curated anecdotes. It was an honor to be in his presence.”
Last year’s honorary cochairs, Doug and Beth Mann were in attendance for the event again this year.
“Doug and I were so proud to have been a part of a celebration of unity, of purpose, of such an effort to provide support to the community at Emerge,” Mrs. Mann said. “It was such a special moment to recognize that all those attending this beautiful event had and have such care and compassion and belief in your population at Emerge. That, and the fact that we love Elaine Bonner. You all are doing amazing and important work, and we are honored to be included in your endeavors.”
Lucious Plant, a retired workforce professional and former regional director of talent acquisition from the Dayton Development Coalition, said the work being done at Emerge is very encouraging. He said the night is one he will not soon forget.
“It was a very inspiring and uplifting event — one of the best I’ve been to in the region,” Mr. Plant said. “I am impressed by the results and the achievements that Emerge has accomplished. As an organization, they’ve taken on one of the toughest tasks, which is having an amazing impact on people’s lives. They are helping the workforce. The event was absolutely amazing. The facility is amazing. The people who have worked to bring Emerge off the ground deserve continuing gratitude from the community and the region.”
Mr. Plant said he was also impressed by the variety of people in attendance there who came from all over Ohio.
“There were great people from all over the state there,” he said. “Jim Tressel doesn’t lend his name to things very easily— so to see him and the former Ohio State players was an event I won’t soon forget soon. All my career, I have worked to see people who struggle to make their way in life. Seeing what Emerge is doing gives me great hope that this work is continuing and continuing at a level that not many others are doing right now.”
Up-and-coming country music singer Jackson Snelling, who traveled to the area from Indiana to perform for the crowd of several hundred, said he and his mother had a wonderful time.
“I thought the whole event was incredible,” Snelling said. “So many kind-hearted people who just wanted to give back to such an incredible cause!”
Rory Nicol, a former player of Coach Tressel’s in long-term recovery himself, accompanied the coach throughout the night.
“It was a night I will never forget,” Nicol said. “Having had the privilege to attend this event with Coach Tressel, I walked away amazed. It was very inspiring to see the work that is taking place in Greene County. The way in which the place and concept was conceived, the commitment from the co-founders, the leadership, the community, the residents and alumni, it was really special. God has his hand on this facility and the many hearts pouring their Love into it. I walked away, wanting to be more involved, I felt called to figure out what I can do to help. I intend to do just that over the course of the next several years.”
If you’d like to support this mission, you can purchase some essential items for our residents or purchase a few remaining silent auction items, including a tankless hot water heater, installation of two skylights, leaf cleaning, Lasik eye surgery, front or rear brakes, (4) signature oil changes, $1,500 off permanent lights, and a professional headshot. Take a look at emerge2024.givesmart.com.
To hear Coach Tressel’s inspirational remarks, “I think about how fortunate the folks are in Greene County to have all of you. The people that you are serving here are so blessed and so appreciative. This is God’s work! He’s asking us to make a difference for God’s people.”
