Willoughby Hills, Ohio — Friends of Lake ADAMHS (FOLA) welcomed over 300 guests to its annual Celebrity Art Auction on June 25 at The Banquet Center at St. Noel’s, making it one of the highest-grossing fundraising events in the organization’s history.

The annual event featured original works created and donated by 16 local celebrity artists, with proceeds supporting local behavioral health awareness and community initiatives. Guests also enjoyed silent and chance auctions, fellowship, and opportunities to learn more about local mental health and recovery resources.

“The overwhelming support shown by our community demonstrates that mental health and recovery matter to the people of Lake County,” said Kim Fraser, Executive Director of the Lake County ADAMHS Board. “Every artist, sponsor, volunteer, and attendee played an important role in making this one of the most successful Celebrity Art Auctions we’ve ever hosted.”

The evening’s highest-selling artwork was the Friendship Bench, created by Pam Martin and Christine Price, which sold for more than $5,000 during the live auction. The handcrafted bench symbolizes the importance of listening, connection, and supporting one another.

This year’s auction showcased a diverse collection of artwork, including paintings, photography, handcrafted furniture, sculpture, woodworking, and mixed-media pieces created by community leaders, local artists, educators, and business professionals.

FOLA recognized the generous support of presenting sponsors Griffin Technology Group, New Era Benefits Consulting Ltd., Kenco Electric Inc., The Stone Team, and Century 21 HomeStar.

Additional sponsorship was provided by Burges & Burges Strategists, Premier Behavioral Health Services, Rounders Lounge, Signature Commercial Real Estate, and Verify Services, LLC.

The 2026 Celebrity Artists represented a diverse cross-section of Lake County’s business, nonprofit, education, and civic communities and included:

• Sarah Bals – 440 Marketing Agency
• Melanie Blasko – Retired President & CEO of Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers
• Kalissa Cherkes – Student, Lake Erie College
• Ryan Gilkerson – Ville City Branding
• Tricia Johnston – Leadership Lake County
• Ann Mahler – Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities
• Pam Martin and Christine Price – Western Reserve Junior Service League
• Jennifer Pealer – Jenniffer & Co. Full Lifestyle Salon & Spas
• Alaina Pontikos – Realtor, The Stone Team / Century 21 HomeStar
• Dr. Jennifer Sample – Lake Erie College, Cleveland Clinic, and Signature Health Board Member
• Dr. Libbie Stansifer – Signature Health
• Lacy Talley – Muralist, Graphic Designer
• Jeffrey Taylor – J Scott Studios and Lake ADAMHS Board Member
• Janie Walland – Artist and Art Teacher
• Greg West – Senior Vice President, Hanna Commercial Real Estate

Friends of Lake ADAMHS (FOLA) is a volunteer-based organization that raises awareness about mental health and recovery, supports community education efforts, and assists the Lake County ADAMHS Board in promoting behavioral health initiatives throughout Lake County.

About the Lake County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board: The Lake County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board plans, funds, monitors, and evaluates behavioral health services for Lake County residents. Working with a network of local providers, the Board helps ensure access to prevention, treatment, recovery, and support services for individuals and families affected by mental illness and substance use disorders.