Emerge Honored as Community All-Star
MLB team honors Emerge for ‘rekindling hope for recovery in the Miami Valley’
DAYTON — Becoming a “Community All-Star” in this region means going “above and beyond” in service to the community.
According to officials of the Dayton Dragons Minor League Baseball Team, Emerge Recovery & Trade Initiative is one such organization. Community leaders working for Emerge were honored here Thursday evening at a game where members of the community joined supporters and partners of the local nonprofit at the Day Air Ball Park for an evening filled with fun, festivities, food, and baseball.
Day Air Ball Park is located in the heart of the Water Street District. The Dragons are the Midwest League affiliate of the nearby Cincinnati Reds.
“For their commitment to helping community members in recovery in the Miami Valley, we’re honoring Emerge as a Dragon’s Community All Star,” a company spokesperson announced to fans during the game. “Since opening their facility, Emerge has helped more than 300 individuals from 16 counties in Ohio. The campus offers treatment options like outpatient services, clinical services, counseling, anger management sessions, access to vocational pathways, GED education and more. These opportunities provide real options for those in recovery to regain their independence. Because of this, Dragons fans, please join us in welcoming to the community members of the Emerge Recovery & Trade Initiative.”
After being applauded throughout the stadium, Dragons officials introduced Emerge staff members Nathan Crago, Jeff Moore and Elaine Bonner on behalf of the organization.
The team honored them during the game and donated a Dragons baseball bat and $1,000 to the nonprofit.
Throughout the Thursday, August 8th game against the Lake County Captains, Emerge board members, founders and leadership team as well as community advocates were treated to viewing the game from the Boost Engagement Suite. Additionally, Emerge staff and their families, current residents and alumni, and other supporters attended the game throughout the stadium. The evening was a huge success for Emerge.
Additionally, the Dragons, who have a record of 57 wins and 48 losses this season, won the game against the Captains 4-2.
“It was fantastic to enjoy a Dragons game with the Emerge team and their partners,” said Cassie Barlow, a supporter of Emerge who was at the game. “Emerge is a true gem in our region who partners with community members to rebuild their lives.”
Nathan Crago is the clinical director at Emerge. He shared his feelings about being honored at the game.
“It was truly an honor to be recognized as a community all-star,” Crago said. “I don’t think that any of us think of ourselves as all-stars, nor do we do what we do for any form of recognition, however, it is nice to be recognized! My biggest hope for any of it is that it brings more awareness to the issues we’re helping our clients address and more support for the organization.”
Another supporter of Emerge, Holly Wiggins of the United Way of the Greater Dayton Area, was at the game and shared her thoughts.
“It is always great to attend a Dayton Dragons game,” Wiggins said. “It is special when the weather is perfect and the Dragons are celebrating their support of our community and shining a spotlight on one of the nonprofit organizations that serve our community. Emerge is investing in rebuilding lives by providing the necessary services and tools for recovery. Emerge and the United Way work together to rebuild not only individuals but families which improves our neighborhoods and build a stronger region that benefits all of us.”
Rene Chase of Chase Electric and C&C Outdoor Power Equipment said it was a joy watching Emerge honored during the game from the engagement suite.
“I considered it an honor to be invited to watch Emerge being recognized as a Community All-Star,” Chase said. “The way this organization is actively changing the lives of so many families in our community is incredible to watch and so exciting to be a part of. It was a perfect night for a Dayton Dragons baseball game and I enjoyed meeting others involved with the important work of helping Emerge change lives. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Emerge and the eternal impact it has here in our community.”
AN INTERVIEW WITH ELAINE
During the fifth inning break, Elaine Bonner, director of philanthropy went on air with Tom Nicols to talk more about what Emerge has been doing in the Greater Dayton Ohio area. Listen to her full interview HERE.
“Our team is grateful for the opportunity to reach thousands of Dayton Dragons fans to spread the message that there is help for people with substance use disorders. They don’t need to handle this alone. It takes a caring team and this is our calling – to help people rebuild their lives.”