HOPE HUSTLERS … Five County Recovery Group Board Members (L to R) Tricia Zrinzo, Melissa Buchholz, Tiffany Burge, Erika Mendoza, and Tommy Partin.
By: Amy Wendt
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
To spread awareness about drug and alcohol addiction and offer support to those affected, the Five County Recovery Group hosted its inaugural event, a 5K run/walk and Poker Run, at Homecoming Park in Wauseon on September 16.
What began as a 5K quickly transformed into a larger event featuring a poker run, and guest speakers.
For children of all ages, there was also cornhole, bounce houses, and face painting. In the park’s pavilion where the activity was centered, D.J. Big Rube set the tone by playing upbeat background music.
Tricia Zrinzo, an executive board member of the Five County Recovery Group, expressed her excitement about the event’s growth, remarking, “It’s definitely become a lot larger and a lot more exciting.”
The event began at 9:00 a.m. with 32 runners of all ages participating in the 5K, walking or running two laps around the park’s scenic path.
Following the 5K, Jerry Rabourn of the motorcycle group Wings of Change shared his poignant testimony drawing from personal experiences as both a recovering addict and a father who tragically lost a child to overdose.
“Today is about showing everybody in Northwest Ohio the resources we have here,” Rabourn stated.
The second speaker, Lori Knerim, from the Strength in Numbers organization offered her perspective as a mother who has endured the heartbreak of losing a child to addiction.
Tracy Teigland rounded out the speaker lineup by sharing insights from her dual vantage point as a woman in recovery and also as a spouse to an addict.
Also in the pavilion, numerous non-profit organizations, health agencies, and ministries set up booths to provide guests with a wealth of resources.
Among the groups were Alateen, Recovery Services of Northwest Ohio, Henry County Health Department, Maumee Valley Guidance Center, Glenbeigh of Cleveland Clinic, Arrowhead Behavioral Health, Inspirations Point, Help Me Grow, and Never Let Go Ministries.
For those who have lost loved ones to addiction, the event included two touching tributes. The 5K route was adorned with individual memorial yard signs bearing photos of those dearly departed.
Additionally, beneath the pavilion, a memorial ice wall displayed the engraved names of those no longer with them.
Tricia shared, “The goal of the entire event is to spread awareness and just show family and friends that there are resources out there.”
The non-profit organization, which was established in April 2023, will donate proceeds of the event towards Inspirations Point and the Fulton County Alano Club.
Amy can be reached at amy@thevillagereporter.com