Connecting for Kids celebrates honorees

Five local individuals are being honored by Connecting for Kids for fulfilling the organization’s mission.

Five local individuals are being honored by Connecting for Kids for fulfilling the organization’s mission to provide education and support to families with concerns about their children.

The honorees being recognized at the organization’s annual fundraiser on Feb. 23 are:

• Parents of the Year: Chris and Maureen Box of North Ridgeville.

• Educator Professional of the Year: Natalie Tesar, a Second Grade Teacher at Eastview Elementary School in Avon Lake.

• Kind Kid Award Winner: Kyleigh Briggs of Olmsted Falls.

• Board Member of the Year: Kim Riley of Westlake.

The event will kick off at 6:30 p.m. at Ahern Catering and Banquet Center, 726 Avon Belden Road in Avon Lake and will include heavy appetizers, drinks, desserts and entertainment provided for guests.

Executive Director Sarah Rintamaki said Connecting for Kids has worked with families and professional/ educators of Lorain and Cuyahoga counties since 2011. The organization provides 135 programs in five different locations — Elyria, Westlake, Lakewood, Middleburg Heights and Solon. Some of the programs the organization offer are education and support groups that concern children who may have a certain diagnosis or children who have parents going through a divorce.

Rintamaki said the 2018 award winners “have exemplified our mission to provide education and support to families with concerns about their child.”

She said the honorees are a wonderful group of people who set good examples and create a good life for others.

After their board looked over 1,800 families, 700 professionals and educators in each county, Rintamaki assisted board members in the nomination and election process.

Honorees like Chris and Maureen Box, are full time parents and employees, who are fun, energetic and a pleasure to know, Rintamaki said.

She said they have two children, one who has autism, and do a great job raising their children. While both work full time, they also make time to get involved in groups in their children’s school district, she said.

In the Connecting for Kids program, Chris built a support group for fathers who are going through similar concerns with their children. She added that Maureen does much for the organization and is willing to help other families get involved and take advantage of their programs.

Tesar, has quickly proven to be one of the strongest educators and leaders in her school building, according to a news release.

She has excelled in the classroom and in all roles presented to her. Rintamaki said that parents proclaim Tesar communicates very well with the children and parents and has a wonderful way of remaining calm.

She said Tesar’s devotion and hard work is why her students excel.

Kyleigh is the winner of the Kind Kid Award which is given to a child under 13 who demonstrates kindness and compassion to peers, Rintamaki said.

Nominated out of 15 other youngsters, she said Kyleigh, 11, goes above and beyond to help others.

Kyleigh continually volunteered for intervention student counseling at Olmsted Falls Schools and is the person who raises other children’s spirits when she finds them needing it, both friends and strangers, Rintamaki said.

She also hosted an iced tea stand to raise over $150 for Kick-It for Cancer.

Kyleigh is always encouraging her family to visit the elderly in the nursing home because she tells them “it’s the right thing to do,” which has been her slogan since she learned to talk, Rintamaki said.

Riley’s dedication to the mission of Connecting for Kids is exemplified in her multiple accomplishments on the board, the release said.

Riley identified the need for a moderate-to-severe disabilities group of families within Connecting for Kids and volunteered her time to help lead the group. She mentored more than 100 families and helped them through the unique challenges of parenting a child with more severe needs, Rintamaki said.

She added that she’s glad Riley created the support group because it has become a permanent part of the Connecting for Kids culture.

To celebrate the honorees, tickets for the 2018 Connecting for Kids Annual Fundraiser are $65 per person, including heavy appetizers, drinks, dessert and entertainment.

For more information or to reserve a ticket, visit https://connectingforkids. org/2018Fundraiser, email info@connectingforkids. org or call 440-250-5563.