AC Clark thanks undefeated lightweight prospect Ty Tomlin for his support in the foundation's efforts to educate local youth on the dangers of drug use (Photo: The Post)
It was a packed house for the Quintenn Clark Foundation's Celebration of Life Benefit on the evening of March 5, 2022.
Elected officials, law enforcement, addiction professionals, recovering addicts, those mourning loved ones, and members of the community filled the Ashland City Senior Center to honor the late Quintenn Clark and to support his parents' efforts in raising awareness and funds in his memory.
AC Clark and Tonya Garton began the foundation after the untimely passing of their beloved son, Quintenn (Photo: Submitted)
Taken back by the overwhelming response they have received since starting the foundation, Anthony Clark and Tonya Garton each gave moving speeches about their son, Quintenn, and spoke about what their foundation has done over the past year to help those struggling with addiction.
Over the course of the evening, attendees also heard music from aspiring artist Austin Williams, enjoyed a steak dinner catered by Colton's Steakhouse, and heard a profound recovery testimony from Fawn Gentry.
Sycamore High senior, Austin Williams, provided the entertainment for the evening (Photo: The Post)
The proceeds of the ticketed event will be used to continue Clark and Garton's efforts to help those in need.
"We want people to get help," said Garton, who now sits on the advisory board at the Arch Academy, a division of Cumberland Heights that focuses on adolescent recovery.
"We are very passionate about our youth," she adds. "We've got to get in front of them at an early age before we lose more and more."
To assist in those efforts, boxer Ty "Short Fuse" Tomlin has accompanied Clark to local schools to give inspiring and educational speeches to local students. No stranger to being involved in the community, Tomlin attended the event with his family.
When looking toward the year ahead, the QCF plans to host its second annual Recovery Quest, have a strong presence at Summerfest, partner with more recovery services, increase family support, and dive deeper into the county's school system.
The event ended a balloon release for Black Balloon Day, a national and international event (March 6) intended to bring awareness to overdose deaths.
Ashland City Councilman Tony Young signs a black balloon that would later be released (Photo: The Post)
To help in their rapidly expanding endeavors, Clark and Garton are looking for new members to serve on the foundation's board. For more information about the foundation and opportunities to help, visit www.quintennclarkfoundation.org.
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