CEO Vicki Clark, President Kristina Port and Chief Financial Officer Marsha Pettus of Ravenwood Health

Leadership Geauga’s annual Emerald Ball brought 365 guests to the recently-renovated Landerhaven to honor realtor Mary Beth O’Neill. A portion of the proceeds went directly to Ravenwood Health.
Since 2001, Leadership Geauga has honored community leaders whose service and volunteering has enhanced quality of life in the county.
A portion of the proceeds from the “Call to the Heart” portion of the live auction went to Ravenwood Health, a nonprofit that provides mental health and addiction services to families and clients of all ages. The agency has provided personalized care and support services to residents of Geauga County and neighboring communities since 1966.
Ravenwood Health diagnoses and treats children who may be suffering from ADHD, anger, anxiety, autism, bullying, domestic violence, sexual abuse, school adjustment, trauma, and other issues. It treats adults for

Eleventh District Court of Appeals Judge Mary Jane Trapp and Barbara Titus, vice president of operations at the Gary Sinise Foundation

bipolar, depression, post-traumatic stress, and other disorders.
A wide range of services allows Ravenwood Health to individualize treatment. Its 40 distinct programs and services include crisis intervention, sex abuse treatment, an Amish program, intensive home-based treatment, community support, employment, residential housing for youth and adults, and more.
Ravenwood Health CEO Vicki Clark said that proceeds will directly benefit “especially children and youth, some who are recovering from addiction and some who have mental health issues.” She said that the agency is thrilled, as funding is always needed in those areas.
Upon Ms. O’Neill’s 2008 graduation from Leadership Geauga’s signature program, Ms. Clark asked Ms. O’Neill to join the Ravenwood Mental Health Board. Ms. O’Neill said that she saw that as an opportunity to “give back in some small way to an organization that treats the same kinds of problems that my sister dealt with.”
“Today she is doing very well, and that is due in no small part to all the doctors, therapists, and family support, which, as Vicki can tell you, is all part of the package when you’re treating either a mental illness or an addiction,” Ms. O’Neill said.
Ms. O’Neill said that Northeast Ohio is fortunate to have an agency such as Ravenwood Health, with 200 employees who are there to help people.
In addition to leadership recognition and networking, the event featured philanthropic games and silent and live auctions, featuring prizes including a guided walleye fishing charter, a fishing excursion on Deep Springs Trout Club property, a bourbon tasting for 10 at Lakeside Cabin, a pig and chicken roast for 60 guests, a custom chicken coop given in memory of former Emerald Leader Kevin O’Reilly, Geauga County’s “Chicken Whisperer,” and more.
Attendees enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, dancing and music by Pieces of Eight. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANASTASIA NICHOLAS