On Sat., Oct. 19, more than 200 people gathered to honor Judge Joseph Giulitto at Hattie Larlham’s 2019 Rudolph H. Garfield Circle of Caring. The organization’s marquee fundraiser took place at Signature of Solon and was presented by OneDigital (formerly The Alpha Group). Hosted by WKYC-TV 3 Chief Meteorologist Betsy Kling, the event raised more than $193,000 to support programs and services for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Judge Giulitto has a lifelong history of service to the Portage County community, including serving as a Board Member and Legal Advisor for Hattie Larlham. Judge Giulitto was a founding member of the Sugar Bush Golf Classic committee, which began in 1986 as a fundraiser for the Hattie Larlham Center for Children with Disabilities in Mantua.

“It was my distinct honor to recognize my longtime colleague and friend Judge Joseph Giulitto at this year’s Circle of Caring,” said Hattie Larlham CEO Stephen Colecchi. “His leadership on Hattie Larlham’s Sugar Bush Golf Classic for more than 30 years helped raise awareness for Hattie Larlham over $1M for our programs and services. Along with his years of service on the Hattie Larlham Board of Directors, his decades of generous support has strengthened Hattie Larlham’s ability to bring the most advanced treatments, programs and services to those we serve. He truly exemplifies what it means to serve and support people with disabilities.”

The Circle of Caring featured a VIP reception hosted by the 2018 Circle of Caring honorees Ron Kotkowski and Larry Kotkowski, owners of Lakeside Sand & Gravel in Mantua, Ohio. Live jazz and piano music set a festive mood thanks to Just Jazz Live and Piano by Ian. Guests also enjoyed an array of Italian-themed food stations, a wine pull, fundraising games and special signature cocktails.

For the 2019 Fund a Need auction, guests raised their paddles to bid and support the medical services, recreation programs and therapy services at the Hattie Larlham Center for Children with Disabilities in Mantua.

“We are so grateful to those who continue to support this event each year and we were very happy to welcome many first-time guests to the 2019 Circle of Caring, who came out in support of Judge Giulitto,” said Hattie Larlham Chief Development Officer Heather Lorenzon. “Hattie Larlham is truly appreciative of those who respond to the needs of Hattie Larlham, through financial contributions or through volunteering.”

If you would like to make a donation to support the care of children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, contact Chief Development Officer Heather Lorenzon at Heather.Lorenzon@hattielarlham.org or 330-840-6840.