By Lidya Hollingsworth
Guest Column
On October 11, 2025, more than 500 guests gathered at The Premier in Maumee for the 5th Annual BLAK Gala, hosted by 1983 The Brand. The event celebrated excellence in community leadership and honored local organizations making a lasting impact across northwest Ohio.
1983 The Brand is a Toledo-based nonprofit whose mission is to merge media, music, and mental health to empower the community while providing a platform for emerging artists and live performances.
The BLAK Gala—an acronym for Balancing Life Acquired Knowledge—is known as “a party with a purpose.” According to sponsors, this year’s event was “the best one yet,” featuring enhanced sound production, red-carpet interviews, and tribute performances that elevated the overall experience.
Event Coordinator Saria James shared that one of the biggest challenges was finding the right venue, as attendance continued to grow—from approximately 300 guests in 2023 to over 500 in 2025. The Premier offered an ideal space that allowed for vendors, a red carpet, photography and an hour-long hors d’oeuvres reception. Guests filled the room, networking with community leaders, business owners and representatives from area nonprofits.
As the celebration began, the mood quickly turned to one of gratitude and recognition. Toledo City Council President Vanice Williams presented 1983 The Brand with a recognition award, a proclamation honoring their continued service and creative leadership.
The organization’s founders and CEOs—Jason Rayford, Nate Maddox and David James—were also recognized with an appreciation award for their hard work, innovation, and dedication to uplifting the community through art and purpose.
Each year, the Gala honors local nonprofits that provide meaningful services to the community. In previous years, honorees have included Program Inc., Help Feed Toledo, Mom’s House, and Isaiah’s House, each offering unique programs that uplift residents in the Toledo area.
This year marked the Gala’s 5th anniversary, and the 1983 The Brand team selected Ms. Avis Denise Files, director of Family and Supportive Services at Pathway Inc., as the recipient of the Community Leadership Award for her decade-long dedication to empowering fathers through Pathway’s Brothers United program.
Pathway Inc., Lucas County’s designated Community Action Agency, launched Brothers United in October 2015 to strengthen fathers, families, and communities through education, case management, and personal development. Over the past 10 years, the program has served more than 3,573 fathers and positively impacted 8,957 children.
Files shared, “This recognition wasn’t just for me—it was for Pathway Inc., for every staff member who has worked tirelessly with Brothers United over the years, and most importantly, for the fathers. This is the first time our work has been publicly recognized, and it means so much that 1983 The Brand cared enough to celebrate fatherhood.”
Cynthia E. Savage, Pathway Inc. chief executive officer, added, “We are grateful to 1983 The Brand for recognizing the invaluable work of Brothers United and Pathway Inc. Your commitment to celebrating community service empowers us to continue our mission and inspires others to join in our efforts. This acknowledgment not only honors our achievements and marks the 10th anniversary of Brothers United and the 60th anniversary of Pathway Inc. but also fuels our dedication to supporting Lucas County families for years to come. Thank you for shining a light on our work.”
As guests enjoyed dinner and lively conversation, they were treated to an evening of incredible performances, including tributes to Luther Vandross and Tina Turner, with a show-stopping rendition of “Proud Mary” that had the crowd dancing and singing along.
At the conclusion of the main event, guests continued the celebration at Club Evolution, where attendees partied with a purpose well into the night—marking another successful year of honoring service, art, and community.
Pathway Inc. Brothers United believes that children are essential. Every day, we support and advocate for fathers because when children have involved fathers, the whole community thrives. To join or learn more about Pathway Inc. Brothers United, call or text (419) 279-0798.