EVENDALE — Thanks to the generosity of strangers, the future of Explorer Post 2025 has never looked brighter.

        Buoyed by donations of more than $23,300, the group of 48 mentally disabled adult Scouts will be off this year on an Ohio River cruise, and may be treated to their first overnight camp-out.

        “When you look over this past week with all of the bad things that have occurred in Cincinnati, and then reflect on a community response like this to help the less fortunate, you see what really can happen when this community pulls together,” said Mike Hernandez, coordinator of Post 2025. “I am overwhelmed.”

        The outpouring of support followed an Enquirer story March 1 about the post's financial problems. A private foundation's annual grant of $2,500 to $3,000 was not renewed, leaving Post 2025 virtually broke.

        Sue Breiner, director of planning and community relations for the post's sponsor, the Hamilton County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, said the donations will allow the Scouts “to have more meaningful experiences that they would not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy.”

        The largest contributor was WLW radio personality Jim Scott, who made a personal contribution of $2,500. Mr. Hernandez said five contributions of $1,000 were received from private foundations and businesses. In all, 210 contributions were made, most in the $20 to $25 range, “many from donors given in memory of people who were involved in scouting, former scouts, and those who have experienced in their lives” people with mental disabilities.

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