JUDI GERDING HAS BEEN TO THEM ALL ON THE FOURTH
FORT MITCHELL, Ky. – There she was, in her usual spot – waiting for the lines to form with her contingent of vehicles for the annual Fourth of July Fort Mitchell Parade.
“I’ve been to just about all of them,” said the soon-to-be 86-year-old Founder and President of The Point/Arc in Covington.
And why not – The Point —at 54 years of age – is three years older than the annual bash in Fort Mitchell.
This year was a bit more special for the head of the non-profit organization. “We have a car to raffle,” she said, “and I wanted everyone at the parade to see it, and hopefully participate with us.”
The story is more than just a vehicle – much more.
“Earlier this year,” she said, “after being diagnosed with cancer, the late Scott Beasley remained focused on helping others, even during his most difficult days.”
And with generous heart, he donated his gently-used 2026 Hybrid Toyota Camry to The Point Arc.
“Thanks to Scott’s incredible gift,” Gerding continued, “proceeds from the raffle will help fund a handicap- accessible van for our new Advanced Care Home, creating necessary opportunities for the residents we serve.”
The new Advanced Care Home, located in Burlington Kentucky, is set for a September opening.
As for The Parade, Fort Mitchell holds one of the largest Independence Day parades in Northern Kentucky. The city’s very first Independence Day parade took place on July 4,1975.
The parade tradition features a well—established route. It begins at the DCCH Center for Children and Families (Orphanage Road), travels down Dixie Highway, turns on Beechwood Road, and finishes at Beechwood Independent Schools.
The Point Arc -thanks to Gerding – has been one of at least 50 floats each and every year. “Our mission,” she says, “is to provide opportunities to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to reach their highest potential, educationally, residentially, socially and vocationally. We work together with families to provide a strong sense of community and support.”
The Point Arc provides case management, educational, residential, employment, social supports to help individuals reach their goals. The Point Arc also runs social enterprises creating productive employment opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities – including Point Perk Coffee Shop; The Point Apparel; and The Point Commercial Laundry.
And, of course – always — a yearly participant in the Fort Mitchell Independence Day Parade.
