People are still talking about the Solon Community Living (SCL) fundraiser last week, which offered attendees the surprise of a lifetime, when Cleveland Indians’ Hall-of-Famer Jim Thome stepped up to the plate.

According to the invitation to the August 15 “A Championship Celebration Luncheon, honoring the legacy of the 1995 (Cleveland Indians) team, and the Voice Behind it All,” the fundraiser would feature remarks by Tom Hamilton, the voice of the baseball team, an appearance by former player and current Guardians coach Sandy Alomar Jr., video highlights by Cleveland Guardians Senior VP of Public Affairs Bob DiBiasio, and a special “video appearance,” by Indians great Jim Thome.

But what the attendees did not know was that there were some happenings going on behind the scenes.

Jim Thome, and his wife, Andrea, who now reside in Illinois, had decided to surprise the group, by appearing in person, as a way to celebrate their dear friend Tom Hamilton, who was elected into the Baseball Hall of Fame as a broadcaster, and was being recognized on this day.

Ara Bagdasarian, who is co-founder of Solon Community Living, and organized the luncheon fundraiser, said he decided to make Jim Thome’s visit a surprise.

“When we got to the point in the luncheon where Jim Thome was supposed to appear via zoom, we told the attendees we were sorry but Jim Thome would not be appearing via video,” said Mr. Bagdasarian.

“But I added that we had gotten someone else to replace him, and then I said ‘and here he is now.’”

And then Jim Thome walked onto the stage of the Landerhaven event venue.

And as they say, “the crowd went wild.”

“You know we were all kind of disappointed when we heard Ara say that Jim Thome would not be joining us, via zoom,” shared Solon Mayor Edward Kraus, who attended the fundraiser. “But then when Jim Thome walked out, the people went crazy.”

From left: Solon Community Living co-founders Leslie Bagdasarian and Ara Bagdasarian, pose with Hall of Famer and former Cleveland Indians’ great Jim Thome, and Tom Hamilton, the voice of the Cleveland Guardians, at the SCL’s recent fundraiser. Mr. Thome made a surprise appearance at the event which was held at the Landerhaven event venue.

He said he couldn’t believe that this had been kept a surprise and that even more exciting, Jim Thome stayed the whole time taking questions, and posing for photographs.

“It just speaks to what Solon Community Living means to our community and now to everyone else,” said the mayor.

In fact, Mr. Thome’s wife Andrea posted a photo from the event on Twitter, sharing, “Earlier yesterday, we had the privilege of attending a fundraiser for Solon Community Living, in honor of Tom Hamilton. It was fun to listen to Jim, Tom, Sandy Alomar, and Bob DiBiasio tell stories from the 1990’s. Thank you to everyone who supports this special place.”

The couple said it was the mission of SCL that encouraged them to come and visit their former hometown, as well as a chance to honor Mr. Hamilton, who was visibly moved by their gesture.

Mr. Bagdasarian said that the families of the SCL residents, and the residents themselves, who were in attendance at the fundraiser, were thrilled by the outpouring of support for SCL, the first of its kind residential community for adults with disabilities.

Mr. DiBiasio, who is a Solon resident, shared that supporting organizations like SCL is part of the Cleveland Guardians’ legacy of helping others in their community.

“The Cleveland Guardians organization’s support of individuals with disabilities is long standing. It dates back to partnerships with legendary pitcher and broadcaster Herb Score, and continues to this day with Hall of Fame broadcaster Tom Hamilton,” said Bob DiBiasio, Guardians SVP Public Affairs. “From Jim Thome, Sandy Alomar, Jr., Hammy, and all in attendance, we had such an enjoyable time reliving the magic of our 1995 season and celebrating Tom’s Hall of Fame induction. While supporting such an important need. Solon Community Living is paving the way for more communities that will enable young adults with disabilities to live their best lives.”

Mr. Bagdasarian said he still gets goose bumps when he thinks of that day.

“The support we have received through this fundraiser was just amazing,” shared Mr. Bagdasarian. “We raised $50,000 from this one day, which will be used for quality of life initiatives for the SCL residents.”

And for those in attendance at the SCL fundraiser, each will have their own once-in-a lifetime Hall of Fame story to share, along with the feeling of goodwill that comes from being part of the now growing team of supporters of Solon Community Living.