The community is gearing up for Hospice of North Central Ohio (HNCO)’s Annual Corn Roast on Aug. 25. Volunteers from across the community are giving their time, and local businesses are donating their produce and services.
Just like in years prior, this fundraiser will benefit Hospice of North Central Ohio (HNCO). All food is donated, and the event volunteers almost completely organize and run the event.
Honey Haven Farm in Ashland donates the corn. John Boyer, the owner of the farm, enjoys giving back to an organization that impacted his life.
“It’s really important to me to give back,” Boyer said. “Hospice of North Central Ohio has had a pretty major impact on my life, and I’d like to help them in any way I can.”
Boyer used Hospice of North Central Ohio’s services when both of his parents passed away.
“I have 10 brothers and sisters, so there was always someone there with them. But as time went on, just us being there wasn’t enough. When we called Hospice, we realized they could provide exactly what we needed: ‘round the clock access to care and comfort, for all of us,’” Boyer said.
Like many, Boyer said that until he called for more information he didn’t realize the plethora of services HNCO provides, including palliative, in-home and bereavement care.
“I didn’t realize all they did and how important they were. So now, I’m doing what I can to give back for all they gave me when I needed them,” Boyer said.
John’s second reason for donating to the Corn Roast is more-light hearted.
“Well, if they’re going to have a Corn Roast right here in Ashland, they can’t not serve the best. I wouldn’t let them. And mine is the best corn around,” he joked.
“You know, when my grandkids come over, they eat two or three ears a piece,” he said. “It’s that good. And when they go anywhere else? They won’t eat corn. Period. When you’ve had the best, you just can’t go back.”
While the event centers around Honey Haven Farm’s sweet corn, the Eagles Club in Ashland provides major support as well.
The club sponsors several events for HNCO throughout the year, including a pie auction, poker run and others.
This year, the Corn Roast will take place at the Eagles Club instead of the fairgrounds.
Steve Bates, the President of the Eagles Club in Ashland, talks about the club’s support of HNCO.
“A lot of people in the club have a personal connection to Hospice of North Central Ohio. Many of us have used their services for our parents,” Bates said.
He also said that their fundraisers go toward supporting HNCO’s bereavement programs, so that they can continue to provide these free services to the community.
“It’s a wonderful thing they do, and that’s why the Eagles Club has chosen to support HNCO,” Bates said.
The meat will be donated by Jones Livestock. Chris Tunnell is the chief cooker at the event, along with Jeff Harr and Jeremy Morrison, and Dick Dilgard will again be the auctioneer for the pie auction.
Volunteers will serve freshly smoked pork sandwiches, sides, watermelon, cookies and (of course) roasted sweet corn.
HNCO’s Volunteer Coordinator Danielle Sutton is thrilled with the support the community has provided for this event in the past, and this year is no different.
“I feel so privileged to have so many volunteers willing to support the community at the Corn Roast, because this is truly a community event to raise funds for our non-profit organization,” Sutton said.
Added attractions include live music by Tom’s Kitchen Table, a prize raffle including two round-trip tickets to anywhere Southwest flies in the US, the traditional pie auction, and a cash bar.
“The pie auction is my favorite part of the day,” said Lanie Roberts, Marketing Coordinator at Hospice of North Central Ohio. “The pies are beautiful and delicious, and our founder Ruth Lindsey’s apple dumplings are the most coveted items. Dilly has fun interacting with folks outbidding each other, all in an effort to support the important services we provide the community.”
The annual Corn Roast will take place at the Eagles Club, 400 Eastlake Drive in Ashland, on Saturday, Aug. 25 from 4 to 7 p.m.
Tickets are required for the fundraiser this year. Adult tickets are $20 which includes one raffle ticket. Children age 4-12 are $10, and children under 4 are free. To allow for quicker admission into the event, you are encouraged to purchase tickets online at
https://www.hospiceofnorthcentralohio.org/hnco-community-corn-roast-tickets. You may also purchase tickets on the day of the event.
This is a fun and delicious fundraiser for the community and by the community, and your support is greatly appreciated.
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Hospice of North Central Ohio is a non-profit, community-oriented organization serving Ashland, Crawford, Huron, Knox, Morrow, and Richland counties.
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