BY CHRISTINE PRICE
Gazette Newspapers
MENTOR – The Deepwood Foundation hosted its annual Deepwood Derby on Wednesday, April 29, at St. Noel Banquet Center.
Guests enjoyed an evening filled with games, raffles and auctions, while sipping mint juleps and donning their most festive and extravagant derby hats.
The event was presented by the Mentor 3605 Fraternal Order of Eagles, whose support helped make the evening a success.
A highlight of the evening was the performance by the Deepwood Dancers, a spirited group of men and women who share a passion for performing and bringing joy to others through dance.
Although each dancer may have been diagnosed with a developmental or cognitive disability, they refuse to let that define their abilities or limit their goals.
What began as a recreational activity supported by Lake County Special Olympics has grown into something much more.
Without formal training, the dancers have captured the hearts of their community and now perform at events throughout northeast Ohio, helping to raise awareness and celebrate individuals with special needs.
Funds raised at the Deepwood Derby provide critical financial assistance through grants that support specialized services, tools and resources for children and adults striving to reach their full potential.
These grants fund camp scholarships, afterschool programs, classroom needs, specialized equipment, hearing aids, respite and home-care services, as well as opportunities in education, recreation and community engagement.
For more information, visit deepwoodfoundation.org.
