The second-annual Fayette County Farm Bureau “Farm to Fork” event was able to raise $7,500 for The Warehouse Youth Center located in Washington Court House.
A check was presented to The Warehouse Youth Center at their location on Elm Street Thursday. The Warehouse recently celebrated 20 years in Washington C.H., but very few people realize how it came into existence. According to local dentist and native Dr. David Ginn, the “spark” that started it was an Emmaus weekend. This Christian retreat was in February of 1996 and Ginn came away from the experience wanting to do something for the community.
“I felt like we needed something for the youth,” he said.
Ginn recruited a few like-minded individuals and the group met for a year, laying groundwork. Steve Sobers, then-city manager, offered the old downtown theater for use and “Planet Youth” was born. This development eventually led to a private purchase of the old Reeves Carpet store on Elm Street, and Planet Youth’s new home was re-branded as The Warehouse.
Through the years, there have been ups and downs, numerous challenges and many times when the money just dried up. Ginn said, “We could’ve just closed the doors on several occasions.”
Fortunately, the dream did not die and The Warehouse continues to grow and change. Current director, Molly Gruber, has added social services and resources, expanding the influence of the center. On the horizon is a Wednesday night “church service” that will be provided by Sugar Grove Pastor Todd Wallace and others from the church.
The vision statement of The Warehouse is this: “To provide a safe, fun environment for the youth of Fayette County with the ultimate goal of leading them to Christ.”
Thanks to the determination and perseverance of Dr. Ginn and its governing board, The Warehouse is going strong, but still needs the continual support of the community.
Approximately 150 people were in attendance for the Aug. 19 Farm to Fork event, hosted by Peterson Farms.
“It was truly a community event,” said Brandi Montgomery, the president of the Fayette County Farm Bureau. “It was amazing to see how many hands helped organize, prepare and carry out this event. So much hard work goes into the evening and I am thankful we could support the Warehouse!”
The Warehouse director, Molly Gruber, brought 10 teens out to the farm for the evening. Gruber said the following about the event: “What a great night! The food, weather and atmosphere was out of this world! I took several kids from The Warehouse with me to help at the event. Two of our kids even got up and spoke about what The Warehouse means to them. There was a huge crowd and I am so proud of the boys for having the courage to get up and speak in front of so many.”
Gruber also was excited to put the donation to use, “That puts us over our goal for our parking lot/basketball court project! We will have a new lot and court by year’s end.”
This year the committee added a new twist to the evening. Locally-grown veggies were prepared as part of a competition between chefs from Streetside 62, The Rusty Keg, The Farmer’s Pantry and Werner’s BBQ. The chefs were given the vegetables and then each chef served their dish. The attendees were able to vote for their favorite dish. Amanda Ivey from The Farmer’s Pantry won the competition with her corn maque choux. Everyone is looking forward to the competition again next year.
Being a community event, the committee was elated to have the following local business and residents support them: Rachel McClish from Rachel’s House prepared the cobbler made with fresh berries from Mary’s Berries, Jay Fannin donated the beef, produce was provided by County Line Farms, Jones Farm Fresh Produce, BYE Gardens and King Farms, and homemade ice cream was donated and made by Ricketts Farms. The beer was brewed and served by Pour Boys Brewery. “Cattywampus” provided the evening music during social hour and the meal.
Sponsors were: Ohio Farm Bureau, Fayette County Farm Bureau, JD Equipment, Bluegrass Farms, Fayette County Travel & Tourism, Merchants National Bank, Farm Credit Mid America, Smokin’ Joes, and the Miami Trace FFA parked cars, served food, and helped clean up.
Donations to The Warehouse Youth Center can be sent to PO Box 1072, Washington Court House, OH, 43160.
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