Lucas County Sheriff John Tharp and the Lucas County Commissioners would like to extend a special thank you to all who supported the Lucas County Sheriff’s Office Drug Abuse Response Team (D.A.R.T.) fundraiser. This special event was held Saturday, April 25, 2015 at Mulvaney’s Bunker Irish Pub. More than $5,000 in donations were secured to help support the D.A.R.T. program.

D.A.R.T. is an innovative program established by the Sheriff’s Office in partnership with the Ohio Attorney General, Lucas County Prosecutor’s Office, Mental Health and Recovery Services Board, and others, which dispatches law enforcement officers directly to hospitals to work with people who have overdosed and their families to guide them to addiction resources for housing and long-term recovery. The goal is to divert these individuals from the criminal justice system into appropriate treatment.

Sheriff Tharp recognized the efforts of those involved in the fundraiser, saying “We are grateful for everyone who stepped up to make this a success.” Local businesses offered generous donations for raffle prizes. Volunteer support was essential, including Patti Ratcliffe who served as chairperson, and the Sheriff’s Office staff who donated their time working at the event. Guests enjoyed entertainment provided by the following local bands: Sneakers, Whiskey B 4 Breakfast, Gene Zenz Band, and Donnie and Ronnie Band.

By raising additional funds, this event helped further D.A.R.T.’s efforts to provide assistance to those struggling with addiction in our community.