The Jeff Schmitt Auto Group is honored to announce Bill Evans as the second finalist in the 2025 Jeff's Heroes Initiative. Bill will receive a $5,000 check and remains in the running for the grand prize: a brand-new vehicle and an additional $10,000 in cash, to be awarded later this year.
Bill Evans is no stranger to service. As the founder of the beloved Evans Bakery, and co-founder of Miami Valley Meals, Bill has spent more than three decades feeding the Dayton community both with fresh baked goods and, more importantly, with compassion.
From his leadership at House of Bread, to launching the nonprofit Set the Banquet Table, to transforming that passion project into Miami Valley Meals during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bill's mission has remained clear: ensure that no one in Dayton goes hungry.
Miami Valley Meals, founded by Evans, Matt DeAngulo, and Amanda DeLotelle, has now distributed over 1 million chef-prepared meals to those experiencing food insecurity. Even in retirement, Bill remains an honorary board member, lending his expertise and vast network to keep the momentum strong.
"Some of us are extremely fortunate that we have never had to experience food insecurity. The harsh reality is that many others are not that lucky." said Jay Schmitt, President of the Jeff Schmitt Auto Group. "Bill's dedication to our community embodies everything that we love to support through our Jeff's Heroes Initiative."
In addition to his work in food justice, Bill has volunteered with dozens of organizations including Homefull, St. Vincent de Paul, Dakota Center, Ruskin School, and the East End Community Services, while remaining an active member of the Knights of Columbus, Kiwanis, and East Dayton Optimist Club. Bill continues to live out his motto: "It's all about relationships."
Bill now joins Michael's House as one of four finalists who will each receive $5,000 and be eligible for the public vote this December to determine the 2025 Jeff's Hero. The winner will receive a new vehicle and $10,000 cash, thanks to the Jeff Schmitt Auto Group's ongoing commitment to uplifting local heroes.
The Jeff Schmitt Auto Group is honored to announce Michael's House as the first finalist in the 2025 Jeff's Heroes Initiative. This recognition includes a $5,000 award and the opportunity to compete for the grand prize of a new car and an additional $10,000 in cash.
Established in 2008, Michael's House serves as a sanctuary for children in Greene County who have endured various forms of abuse. Each year, approximately 1,200 children in the county are reported as abused or neglected, facing the daunting task of recounting their traumatic experiences to multiple individuals. Michael's House exists to alleviate this burden, providing a centralized, child-friendly environment where young victims can share their stories just once, minimizing further trauma.
Local Fairborn Officer Samuel Fullen, Unit #316 said:
"I am honored to help nominate Michael's House for the Jeff's Heroes' program. Michael's House is an invaluable resource, not only to the Fairborn community, but to the Greene County area. Evil goes where its victims are most vulnerable, and children are no exception. Thanks to the staff at Michael's House, law enforcement, mental health professionals, and medical experts, are able to provide resources for children who are victims of crimes. This collaborative effort gathers crucial information that leads to the prosecution of a child's abuser so they can be brought to justice. Child abuse and neglect is one of the greatest challenges we face in law enforcement. Michael's House stands firm as a shield to protect our communities' children."
Michael's House offers a comprehensive, multidisciplinary response, bringing together professionals from law enforcement, child protection, prosecution, mental health, medical, and victim advocacy sectors. This collaborative approach ensures that each child receives the necessary support and services in a comforting setting designed to promote healing.
Features of Michael's House include specialized rooms for forensic interviews, on-site medical examination facilities, mental health services, and a playroom that caters to various age groups, reflecting the cultural diversity of the community.
"I can only dream of a world where places like Michael's House don't have a need to exist - but unfortunately, that is not the world we live in. Our community, and the children that are impacted by abuse and neglect, are truly blessed to have an organization like this advocating for them at every turn. It is our humble privilege to help support their mission," said Jay Schmitt, President of the Jeff Schmitt Auto Group.
The Jeff's Heroes Initiative celebrates individuals and organizations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to bettering the community. As a finalist, Michael's House not only receives a $5,000 award but also stands a chance to win a new car and an additional $10,000 in cash, further empowering them to continue their mission.
We started our Jeff's Heroes Initiative after hearing some truly inspiring stories shared with us by community members on social media. These were stories of local heroes, military veterans, first responders, medical professionals, and ordinary people giving so much of themselves to help others in need.
The stories of these individuals stirred us into action and we committed ourselves to do even more in support of our neighbors in the Greater Dayton community.
For the past three years, we were thrilled to see the outpouring of support for each of our nominees and the incredible community response and involvement to cheer on these tremendous people.
The best part is, you have the say in who becomes a Jeff's Heroes finalist! Each nominee we select comes straight from you, and each finalist is chosen as a result of public voting. Our four previous heroes - Donna Ruff, Nicole Adkins, Connie McEldowney, Shawn Egbert, and Casey Tingley were chosen based directly on your votes!
Ultimately, this is an opportunity to highlight and celebrate the heroes among us; to lift up those in our community who lift others by their own good work and efforts.
We hope that you'll join us once again to share your stories and put a spotlight on the best of us to help select our 2025 Jeff's Hero!
