Congratulations, Mario Dovell!

Congratulations to our dear friend Mario Dovell as he leaves his long-term position at Columbus Recreation and Parks for another role of service with the City of Columbus. Mario has helped shape Starfish and our initiatives since we met him shortly after we were established. He is a leader who cares deeply about his community and works to make it the best it can be. He has shown many people how to lead with character and serve more generously, including us. We are excited to see how he uses his larger platform to bring even more joy and connection to the people he serves.

In true Mario fashion, his final organized event was one of unity and giving back. Last night, we partnered with Columbus Recreation and Parks, Columbus Division of Police, and others for a special Late Night Hoops event at Milo-Grogan Community Center. For the 50–60 young men in attendance, Mario brought in speakers including Coach James Sullinger Sr. and Officer Shawn Smith-Davis. We were also happy to see our friend Linden-McKinley Basketball Coach Kevin Darthard, who has participated in many Starfish events himself.

The event was filled with dedicated community servants who turned out for another dedicated community servant, and we were honored to be included. As a memento, we presented Mario with a framed collage of some of the many Assignments he's been part of, something he can glance at and smile, remembering just how much he’s meant to all of us.

This is not goodbye, but see you soon, with new stories to tell and new friends to meet.