On Saturday, October 10, the Life Learning Center (LLC) hosted its 12th annual fundraiser, the 2026 Light the Way Gala, at MegaCorp Pavilion, welcoming over 300 guests. The event raised $415,000 to directly support LLC’s mission to reduce recidivism and build a healthier workforce.
Life Learning Center helps individuals overcome the immense challenges of poverty, unemployment, and hopelessness. Through its comprehensive life skills curriculum, career readiness tools, and personalized care resources, LLC empowers individuals to create sustainable life changes. Their mission is to provide permanent, transformational solutions that break the cycles of poverty, unemployment, incarceration, and Substance Use Disorder (SUD), helping people and their families step into their full potential. In collaboration with local communities and Probation and Parole boards, LLC offers a unique pathway to re-entry, allowing participants to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into society.
The event, Light the Way: Together towards a Brighter Future, symbolizes Life Learning Center’s mission: when supporters, partners, and community leaders gather, they illuminate a path toward a brighter future and open pathways to employment, reunification with family, and reintegration into society. Lacy Starling, CEO of LINK Northern Kentucky, emceed the event, and David Wallace, Chairman of Heritage Bank, served as the live auctioneer. The Kentucky Symphony Orchestra string quartet and the Brotherhood Singers provided entertainment. Guests enjoyed a lively evening featuring guaranteed-play-to-win fundraising activities, including a life-size Light Bright and a Claw Machine.
The evening’s highlight was honoring Jeanne Schroer, CEO of the Catalytic Fund. Jeanne’s vision and commitment to strengthening communities embody the spirit of this year’s Light the Way event. By helping create places where individuals, families, and organizations can thrive, she has helped lay the foundation for opportunity, stability, and hope. Those same values are at the heart of the Center’s mission to help people reenter society, rebuild their lives, and reach their full potential. We are proud to recognize Jeanne for lighting the way for stronger communities and brighter futures.
This year’s Member spotlight is Dylan Woodcock. Dylan was born and raised in Edmonston County. Today, he is the Senior Assistant Manager at Rafferty’s in Florence and a Staff Sergeant and Drill Sergeant in the United States Army. According to Dylan, “I’m still becoming the man I want to be. I feel like I’m building a new version of myself, one who understands the value of the people around him, takes responsibility for his choices, and isn’t afraid to keep moving forward. For the first time in a long time, I’m excited to see what the future looks like. I don’t know exactly where it’s going to take me, but I know I want to be there to find out. And I’m grateful that when I looked in the mirror and couldn’t recognize myself anymore, people were willing to help me find that person again.”
A special thank you goes to the event’s presenting sponsor, Amazon, and premier sponsors St. Elizabeth Healthcare, Frances & Craig Lindner, First Financial Bank and Corporex. Event sponsors also included Arnold Ventures, Central Bank, Heritage Bank, and Wayne and Fran Carlisle.
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About Life Learning Center
Life Learning Center is a non-profit organization established in 2006 to deliver a holistic integrated continuum of education and care facilitating transformational change, long term employment, and dignity for the “at risk” citizens of Northern Kentucky. Life Learning Center is located at 20 West 18th Street Covington, KY 41011. For more information, please visit www.lifelearningcenter.us or call (859) 431-0100.
