The WARMest Carnival In Town

When Ben Dolcich and his wife, Sandy, moved to Westerville in 1989, they had no idea that decades later, a childhood tradition would bring four of their grandchildren, dozens of neighborhood children, and an entire community together for a wonderful cause.

Ben and Sandy both grew up and were married on the east coast. They eventually built their life in Westerville, where they have been part of the community and St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church since their arrival.

This summer, while caring for their four Westerville grandchildren, ages 8 to 12, the grandchildren asked their grandparents about the kinds of summer activities they enjoyed as children. Ben remembered creating backyard carnivals he and his neighborhood friends had in the 1960s to support muscular dystrophy research using carnival kits from the Jerry Lewis telethons. Years later, he and Sandy continued the tradition with their own children, donating their carnival proceeds to WARM during the 1990’s.

So, to carry that tradition forward, as summer began, the Dolcich grandchildren with help from their grandparents began preparing games, signage and invitations for a backyard carnival held on August 8, 2026.

From noon to 3 p.m., their backyard became a miniature mid-way. About 50 children, along with neighbors and friends, enjoyed ten simple games, including a marble roll, bottle flip, ring toss, a lemonade stand, and the crowd favorite: a homemade game called “Dunk the Skunk.” Each activity cost just 25 cents, but the impact was anything but small.

These energetic grandchildren and grandparents raised an incredible $347 for WARM!

For Ben, the amount was especially meaningful. His childhood carnivals raised $15 to $20, and when his children revived the tradition nearly 30 years ago, they raised about $150. Now, a new generation has carried the family tradition forward.

With help from his former coworker and current WARM employee David Crago, and other neighborhood adults, the carnival became more than a summer activity — it became an example of camaraderie, community, generosity, and the joy of helping others.

The message is simple: You don’t need a huge event or a large budget to make a difference. Sometimes, all it takes is a backyard, a few simple games, willing volunteers, and a heart for others.

Ben and Sandy hope their family’s carnival inspires others to get involved with WARM. Their story reminds us that when we give children the opportunity to serve, they don’t just learn about generosity, they become part of it.

WARM thanks the Dolcich family for their inspiration and generosity to others!