The fourth Thrive Allen County annual meeting will be “a night to focus on positive efforts and good news,” of the area, David Toland said Wednesday afternoon.
Toland is Thrive’s executive director.
The meeting, this year in the St. John’s Parish Center, will be the biggest sit-down dinner of the year in Allen County. About 300 people are expected to attend the Nov. 18 event, which will feature awards and upbeat commentary.
The deadline to reserve a seat — $20 for individuals and $18 each for parties of 10 of more — is Nov. 7 at the Thrive office, 12 W. Jackson Ave., and by telephone at 365-8128.
“We have about 160 reservations already and traditionally most have been made the last two or three days,” Toland said.
“It will be a celebration of positive efforts and successes within the community,” which extends to the four boundaries of Allen County, he said.
Awards will be given for successes in education, recreation and education, Toland said, and the Thrive Volunteer of the Year — a person who has worked within Thrive programs — will be recognized.
“Also, we’ll give the highest recognition of all, the Donna Talkington Award, to someone who has been most exemplary in community service in the county during the past year.”
Nominations are being solicited for each award and may be made through the Thrive office.
“We have several and are eager to have more,” Toland said.
Iola’s two newest dentists, Arthur Unruh and Ryan Coffield, also will be introduced to the community.
Annual dinner ‘thrives’
