Positive Education Program is grateful to the many supporters who helped raise more than $150,000 during the 2026 PEP Rally for Kids. The annual fundraiser, held on May 7, is the only such event PEP hosts each year.
This year’s PEP Rally highlighted PEP Connections, a program with a more than 30-year history of helping young people with complex emotional and behavioral challenges access the resources they need to reach their potential. Today, PEP Connections administers OhioRISE in central Cuyahoga County, supporting young people with complex behavioral health needs through Ohio’s specialized Medicaid program.
The event honored two long-time advocates whose leadership helped ensure young people across Northeast Ohio — and throughout the state — can access these critical services when they need them.
Honorees
Nickie J. Antonio
Senator Antonio’s connection to PEP began early in her career as a teacher-counselor in a PEP Therapeutic School. Years later, as a legislator, she became a key advocate for PEP Connections, helping colleagues understand its value during a time when it faced significant challenges. Her leadership and advocacy helped lay the groundwork for the creation of OhioRISE.
Matt Dolan
In 2018, while serving as chair of the Senate Finance Committee, then-Senator Dolan helped secure critical funding to preserve PEP Connections after policy changes threatened the future of the 30-year-old program.
The luncheon also featured a panel discussion moderated by Russ Mitchell of WKYC Studios. Panelists included Senator Antonio and Matt Dolan. During the discussion, both a young person currently receiving services through PEP Connections and a PEP Connections care coordinator had the opportunity to ask questions and share perspectives on the impact of the program.
Event Highlights
During his welcome remarks, Eric Gordon announced that all funds raised during the 2026 PEP Rally for Kids would support the Frank Fecser Staff Innovation Fund, honoring PEP’s longtime former CEO, Frank Fecser, who passed away earlier this year.
“PEP stands on the foundation built by visionary leaders like Frank Fecser, whose compassion and commitment shaped generations of young people, families, and staff,” said Gordon. “Carrying that legacy forward is both a responsibility and a privilege. Dedicating this year’s PEP Rally for Kids proceeds to the Frank Fecser Staff Innovation Fund is a fitting tribute to a leader who always believed in the power of people to create meaningful change.”
Originally established following Fecser’s retirement, the fund provides staff members with opportunities to propose innovative ideas and secure grant funding to bring them to life.
Fecser deeply embraced the philosophy of Re-ED and championed the role of the teacher-counselor: caring, well-trained adults who bring structure, compassion, and joy to the daily lives of children. He believed every staff member at PEP plays that role. The Frank Fecser Staff Innovation Fund continues that legacy by empowering staff to turn innovative ideas into meaningful support for young people.
Students also played a central role in this year’s event. Young people from across PEP Therapeutic Schools came together to form the PEP House Band, welcoming guests with live music before the luncheon.
In recognition of Teacher Appreciation Week, guests were invited to write notes of gratitude to individuals who had played a teacher-like role in their lives. The notecards used for the activity featured artwork created by a student attending a PEP Therapeutic School.
Thank You to Our Supporters
The success of the 2026 PEP Rally for Kids would not have been possible without the generosity of PEP’s donors, sponsors, and community partners.
PEP extends special thanks to the event’s Premier and Champion Sponsors, whose leadership-level support helped make the event possible.
Premier Sponsors
Benesch, Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio, KeyBank, OneDigital, and David Sagerser and Christine Krol.
Champion Sponsors
Applied Business Strategy, Jones Day, Noreen Kilbane, Holley and Rob Martens, The NRP Group, RPM, and Marybeth and Stephen Shamrock.
Support PEP
If you were unable to attend the event or would still like to support PEP’s work, donations can still be made through our website.
The 2026 PEP Rally for Kids served as a powerful reminder of what is possible when a community comes together on behalf of children and families. Throughout the event, supporters were energized by the life-changing impact of PEP Connections and OhioRISE and inspired by the role each person can play in helping young people access the care, connection, and support they need to thrive.
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