10/12/2026
Saturday, October 17
8AM-8PM
All kitchen sales will be donated to Forever 18 Inc., a local nonprofit in memory of Sara Hess.
If you're not familiar with her story, here is what her family has to share about their mission:
When we lost Sara Marie Hess on November 3, 2017, just days before her 16th birthday, we could never have imagined what the years ahead would bring. Sara was a bright, hardworking sophomore at Graham High School with big dreams, a strong faith in God, and a heart for helping others. She proudly wore #18 on the volleyball court, spent countless hours raising her 4-H sheep, excelled in the classroom, and had a contagious laugh that could light up a room. She dreamed of attending The Ohio State University and becoming a radiologist, and she approached everything she did with determination, compassion, and a drive to make a difference.
In the days following Sara’s passing, hundreds of people gathered to honor her life. We were overwhelmed by the love shown to our family and by the stories people shared about the impact Sara had made in her short time here. We knew she was special to us, but we began to realize just how far her kindness, character, and spirit had reached throughout our community.
That outpouring of love planted a seed. Out of our loss, our family, Stuart and Cheryl, Ethan and Tori, and Eric and Paige, founded Forever 18 Inc. to honor Sara and carry forward the qualities that made her so special.
And what a journey it has been!
When we started Forever 18, we knew we wanted to do something good in Sara’s name. What we didn’t realize was just how much we could accomplish with the support of our community. Together, we have turned an unimaginable loss into opportunities to help others, support local students and families, and make a positive difference in ways we never could have predicted.
Through Forever 18 Inc., we have been able to:
💙 Bring ThinkFast Interactive to local students�💙 Sponsor 4-H projects and support young people pursuing their passions�💙 Pay off school lunch accounts in county schools�💙 Donate hygiene products and school supplies�💙 Award academic scholarships to local graduating seniors�💙 Provide medical supplies to families in need�💙 Support countless other projects that leave a lasting, positive impact on our community
Every one of these opportunities is a reminder of what can happen when people come together for something bigger than themselves. Our community has helped us turn a desire to honor Sara into real opportunities, meaningful support, and acts of kindness that reach people right here at home.
That is what Forever 18 is all about.
Sara’s #18 was once the number on her volleyball jersey. Today, it represents a legacy that continues to grow. It represents hard work, faith, generosity, and the belief that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. We may never know all the places Sara’s life would have taken her, but we get to see her legacy take us places we never imagined.
We are so grateful for every person who has donated, volunteered, sponsored a project, shared our mission, or simply cheered us on along the way. Forever 18 Inc. would not be what it is today without you. You have helped our family find purpose in something we never would have chosen, and you continue to make it possible for Sara’s memory to do good in the world.
As we continue this journey, we invite you to be part of it. Your support helps us keep saying yes to opportunities, reaching more people, and creating positive change in Sara’s name.
We started Forever 18 to honor one incredible girl. Thanks to all of you, it has grown into something that touches so many lives.
Forever loved. Forever remembered. Forever making a difference. Forever 18. 💙
Thank you for being part of Sara’s story and helping us continue her legacy!
