On Friday, December 5, the Leadership Geauga Signature Adult Program Class of 2026 participated in their annual Human Services Day, an immersive program day designed each year to highlight services available to those facing any hardship in life.
This year’s Human Services Day team, class members Katie, Mike, PJ, Kelli, and Blake, chose to focus on food insecurity, an issue that continues to impact individuals and families across the county. In keeping with Leadership Geauga’s tradition of supporting a local nonprofit during the December program day, the team selected the Geauga Hunger Task Force as the beneficiary of this year’s class collection.
Class Contributions to Address Food Insecurity
The Class of 2026 embraced the opportunity to make a direct impact, arriving with an impressive array of donations, including:
These essential items support the Geauga Hunger Task Force’s mission of ensuring that no resident goes hungry.
Later that evening, Leadership Geauga hosted its annual Holiday Party, where the momentum of generosity continued. Alumni, class members, and guests, more than 120 attendees, helped grow the collection with additional items, gift cards, and monetary donations. In total, over $2,000 was raised and will be presented to the Geauga Hunger Task Force during a check presentation later this month.
During the celebration, Sr. Emilia Castelleti (LG 2018), Sylvia McGee (LG 2024), and Sue Juhasz, President of the Board of Trustees for the Geauga Hunger Task Force, addressed the crowd. They shared heartfelt remarks about the organization’s impact, expressed gratitude for Leadership Geauga’s support, and highlighted how these donations directly benefit individuals and families in need.
Hands-On Giving: Holiday Greens Project
Earlier in the day, the class also participated in the Holiday Greens Project, led by Holly Sauder (LG 2024) of the Geauga Park District. For several years, Rogish Farm has graciously donated the pine used for this project, helping bring seasonal joy to the community. Holly provided the supplies and guidance for each member to create a custom festive pine arrangement.
These arrangements will be delivered to the Geauga Department on Aging and the Geauga Veteran’s Food Pantry, where they will be gifted to community members, bringing cheer, warmth, and a personal touch during the holiday season.