9-07-2024 9:06pm

Challenging, Fun and Helpful ... All In One!

Beth Callahan Editor

Kathy Michelich, Founder of The Hunt for Good and Chelsie Thomas, Trustee for The Hunt For Good

MORROW, OH -- When COVID hit back in 2020 many things either stopped or had to change, but non-profits, which many rely on donations and fund riasers to survive, had to find new ways to raise money and awareness.

"Our fun-filled treasure hunts began when SAFE on Main couldn’t hold their annual fundraising gala because of COVID," explained Kathy Michelich, adding, "My husband and I had participated in a history-clue-based treasure hunt in Cincinnati called ‘Mission Treasure’ and I offered to coordinate a similar event in Warren County for SAFE on Main to help them raise dollars needed to minimize their budget shortfall."

In 2023, Michelich spun the concept off as a separate non-profit organization. Today she now conducts treasure hunts and similar experiences to raise funds for other local non-profits. "This year, we’re raising money for St Zachary’s Haven in Morrow," she noted explaining that The Fun for Good Board chooses smaller nonprofits that serve Warren County.

WHAT EXACTLY IS THE HUNT FOR GOOD

It's a treasure hunt to try and win $2,500 while raising money for this year's non profit St Zachary’s Haven in Morrow. And, this year The Hunt for Good is having two different treasure hunts: The kid’s (ideal for children ages 8 - 12) scavenger hunt, Time Travel to Treasure and the adult/teen hunt, $2500 Boots on the Ground.

The kid’s scavenger hunt starts and ends at The 315 event center in Morrow. "Families can choose morning or afternoon to explore six history-filled locations to gather clues they need to solve the mystery. They’ll receive a full-color book as their hunting guide. The hunt will take about 2 hours and is all within three miles of downtown Morrow. We’ll use a ‘quiz raffle’ to select a lucky $100 treasure chest winner for each of the two scavenger hunts," explained Michelich adding that space is limited for this hunt.

The $2500 Boots on the Ground treasure hunt is for adults and teens. It combines the fun of geocaching and escape rooms. "It’s great teamwork fun, and hunters visit quirky history-filled places around the county," Michelich explained.

"They start at their kitchen table the morning of Sep. 28th by opening the first clue with a password. The solution reveals where they should start their quest to find a hidden wooden box. Solve two more morning clues, find the box, then check in at ‘The 315’ by 2 p.m. to get a chance to win a cash award. The first registered hunter to check in gets two keys to our treasure chests and an additional five hunters win keys via a drawing, so you don’t have to be first to win," she said.

Michelin noted that although she created the clues for both the $2,500 adult/teen treasure hunt and for the kid’s scavenger hunt, there are three amazing people on the board that have made this event possible: Chelsie Thomas, Scott Michelich, and Matt Bruns.

"We have several volunteers who love our organization and St Zachary’s Haven is getting the word out and providing volunteers on Sept. 28," she said.

When asked why she does this Michelich explained..."Now, more than ever, people need to work together toward a common goal and support our community. The Hunt For Good provides a fun way of giving back to the great nonprofit organizations that serve those in need. And fun doesn’t just happen – it must be created, and I love creating fun."

This is a fundraiser for St Zachary’s Haven so there is a registration fee of $50 for a team of four. "If someone wants to join, but simply can’t provide a $50 donation, I want them to email me at thehuntforgood@gmail.com and we’ll see what can be done to get them in the hunt for good," she added.

Along with The Fun Hunt, there is a $800 raffle basket. To get tickets, simply make a donation at our ‘Donate’ tab. A donation of $10 gets 10 tickets, and a donation of $25 gets 30 tickets.

"You’ll receive a follow-up email with your ticket numbers," Michelich said adding that the raffle will be awarded on Sep. 28th at the Treasure Chest Opening, and winner does not have to be present to win.

For more details on the Hunt for Good visit www.thehuntforgood.org. Also, Michelich noted that Warren County Non-proftis should visit their website for The Hunt for Good is creating an application process for 2025 to pick next year's non-profit to help.

"We’ll be picking our next organization in March," she added.