THANK YOU to all those who made our 4th annual Night of Hope a huge success

Westerville Education Challenge extends a giant THANK YOU to the many hands who helped make our 2025 Night of Hope 5K, 1-miler, and Family Fun Run a spectacular success.

As others have said, enthusiasm during the event at Westerville North Aug. 23 was palpable, with activities and fun for all ages. What a great way to spread the message of hope and suicide prevention.

As we recover from the big night and start planning for 2026, we pass on our gratitude to those who helped make 2025 such a success, with the following acknowledgements:

THANK YOU to our Hope Squad members who participated in 2025. As they do each year, Hope Squad student leaders from all three of the district’s high schools added a fabulous boost of energy, cheering on participants and waving their inspirational signs throughout the evening.

Our partner agencies set up in our Mental Health Village at the Night of Hope, shared vital information about local mental health resources available to community members. THANK YOU to Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the Westerville Public Library, Concord Counseling, the Franklin County Suicide Prevention Coalition, Starfish Associates, Grief Recovery Method, and Bev Martin Essential Oils.

THANK YOU to Good Medicine Productions troop members, who brought smiles and laughter across the crowd in Jim McCann Stadium, even leading the Family Fun Run with Twinkle the therapy dog.

THANK YOU to our generous sponsors, who make the Night of Hope possible: Ace Handyman Services, Adam Ebert, Blair IT, Jet’s Pizza, Jaime Maize-Culter, Meza, Nichols & Co, the Robert Weiler Company, Starfish Grief Recovery, Stolly Insurance and The Draft Room.

And of course, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to all those who came out to run or walk the 5K, 1-miler and Family Fun Run. WEC appreciates your support, and we hope you had a great time!

The Night of Hope raises money for student wellness and mental health programs supported by WEC across the Westerville school district — including Hope Squad, ROX, WEB, LINK Crew and Twinkle the therapy dog.

Please enjoy this slideshow of outstanding photos from the 2025 Night of Hope, taken by talented Westerville photographer Jo Ford – who also happens to be a WEC Board of Directors member. THANK YOU, Jo!

Look for news about our 2026 Night of Hope in the spring. We hope to see you all next year!