Staff photo / Bob Coupland Connor Griffin with his 6-month-old daughter, Piper Ann, left, and his mother, Kim Griffin of Howland, spend time together Sunday at the fourth annual Ross Griffin Memorial Bash to raise funds and awareness of suicide. The Griffin family holds the event to remember Ross, the younger brother of Connor and son of Kim. The event included a raffle of more than 45 prizes, including two cars and a $10,000 grand prize.

HOWLAND — Family, friends and community members came together Sunday afternoon not only to raise funds to remember a Howland man but also to raise awareness of suicide and mental health issues.

The fourth annual Ross Griffin Memorial Bash took place Sunday at the SLOAS Airfield. People had the chance to win two vehicles or more than 45 cash prizes of different amounts, including a grand prize of $10,000.

Kim Griffin, Ross’ mother, and Steve Lewis, co-chairs of the event, said the proceeds are split in half. Part goes into an endowment fund to assist local service organizations that address suicide prevention and awareness, and the other half goes to scholarships for Howland High School graduates who will attend Ohio University.

Lewis said in prior years, funds have been used to train teachers both locally and at Ohio University — where Ross was a business student — to identify signs of students who may be having problems.

He said a Help Network at Ohio University helps direct students to places to receive help and support.

“We have been very fortunate to have so many corporate sponsors who provide support for this,” Lewis said.

“Ross was so well loved and such a great person to everybody. I just don’t want anyone to forget him,” Kim Griffin said.

Ross died in February 2018.

Lewis said Ross was well known in the Howland community.

“For this to happen to him and there being no real signs, it shocked people into realizing suicide is a serious problem. We were all in such shock over Ross. This is a big, big issue in today’s society. We all had a compelling desire to do something positive,” he said.

Warren resident Darlene Crouse, Ross’ grandmother, said her family was happy with the large turnout.

“It is wonderful how so many people are so good hearted,” she said.

Connor Griffin of Howland, Ross’ older brother, attended the event with his wife Lacey, and their 6-month old daughter, Piper Ann.

“It is amazing to see the support my family receives each year from the community. You can tell people care. It is for a good cause while letting people come together for a good time,” Connor Griffin said.

Lordstown Mayor Arno Hill and his wife, Carol, attended the event,

“This really brings the community together and the money goes to a good cause,” Hill said.

Amy Zell of Trumbull County Local Outreach to Survivors of Suicide (LOSS) is planning a butterfly release Saturday in Brookfield to remember those who were lost to suicide.

“This is a great way to have Ross’ legacy live on. There is so much generosity here,” Zell said.

Jim Whetstone, a local businessman, said the event supports “an incredible foundation.”

David Johnson, representing Ohio University, said a Ross Griffin Memorial Scholarship was established and the $145,000 given to the university has been used for training of faculty and awareness.

While many winners were locals, the two cars were won by out-of-state residents.

James Hobbs of Nashville, Tennessee, was winner of a Toyota Camry and Susan Scavelli was winner of a 2021 Jeep Renagade Latitude.

Pam Mink, Ross’ aunt, said she knows Hobbs and to let him know he had won a car.

“He was so excited. He lives in Nashville. He has donated items for the auction and contributed to the event for the past four years,” Mink said.

Winner of the $10,000 grand prize was Tricia Condoleon, a local resident.

Griffin said the event raised more than $200,000.

The 2020 event was held online because of the pandemic.

Griffin family members said they were glad to be able to meet in person again.