LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE

Daniel Mucci • September 9, 2024

Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health’s (C&A) The Canton Repository Let Your Light Shine presented by the Massillon Eagles FOE #190 is Sept. 21 at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Canton, from 6-9 p.m. The 19th annual event supports the youth mental health programs and services C&A provides each year to our 4,100 clients.

This year’s event promises an enchanting evening with a plated dinner and delectable desserts, a vibrant tropical-themed ambiance and a variety of exciting live auction items. The silent auction is available online through Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m. by clicking HERE to register to bid. You do not have to be present to win a silent auction item.

For the fourth consecutive year, the event features The Schauer Group Grand Raffle ticket drawing. Tickets can be purchased online for $10 each by clicking HERE. The drawing will take place on Sept. 21 at 9 p.m. The winning prize is $1,500 and the winner need not be present at the event. The Grand Raffle drawing supports art and school supplies therapists need to work with clients. 


Attendees will also enjoy a video presentation showcasing the inspiring stories of our student mental health champions. Each year, students representing every Stark County high school provide powerful peer messages highlighting the importance of mental health. The champion's tips include having a “trusted adult” to “self-care tips their friends and family use.” These messages highlight that all students go through similar mental health challenges and all students feel the same way at some point as part of the struggles of adolescence. 

This year’s program also includes C&A Board Member and event emcee Mike Gallina speaking with Heidi Wilson from the YMCA of Central Stark County. C&A’s prevention and case management staff works with the YMCA after-school program sites to work with students on leadership skills, behavior challenges and Y staff to help identify and work through situations with students.

This year’s amazing committee is led by event chair Molly Sperling and co-chair Jamie Lowry. The talented and dedicated efforts of the auction committee are led by C&A Board Member Stacy Remark and Andrea Cerreta, who have put together some unusual and fine items. Some unique items include seasonal date nights, trips to Cleveland, Columbus and Pittsburgh as well as family fun activities such as game night and cat and dog-themed baskets.

"We are delighted to invite everyone to our 19th Annual Let Your Light Shine event. It is an opportunity to celebrate and support Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health's ongoing mission,” said Molly Sperling, “We look forward to sharing this evening with you and thank our sponsors and volunteers for their invaluable support."

C&A’s new CEO Melissa Coultas will greet and welcome guests at this year’s event. Coultas, who previously served as the agency’s Chief Advancement Officer through April 2023, led the efforts for previous Let Your Light Shine fundraisers.

"Supporting C&A is not just a commitment to a cause, but a pledge to every child who needs hope and healing. Together, we can make a profound difference in their journey toward brighter futures. I am incredibly proud of our Let Your Light Shine committee and volunteers for making this event possible and excited about the impact we will create together," said Coultas.

Grand Raffle tickets are available through Sept. 21 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets to attend this year’s event are available through Sept. 12. C&A appreciates your support of this amazing event and supporting youth mental health.

For more information, contact Mission Advancement Director Dan Mucci at 330.454.7917, ext. 145.

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