Chances are you've seen the 38-year-old 's smile on a stroll through the Oregon District.
The Belmont resident used to live in Dayton Towers and has been the manager of Glenn Scott Tattoo for years. He's worked there about 20 years.
The Middletown High School grad whose birthday was yesterday suffered a major stroke recently and is being treated at The Christ Hospital in Cincinnati.
His friend Kristin Todd, a bartender at Tumbleweed, is helping organize the all-day Brad Darrell Day in the Oregon District on Friday, March 25.
The benefit is just one example of Daytonians rallying and doing what they can to support other Daytonians in times of need, ranging from temporary setbacks to death.
That desire to help when times are dark is one of the things that makes this Gem City shine so bright.
Brad is expected to be in the hospital for months. With medical bills piling up as they do, Todd says he will definitely need the community's help.
FeathersVintage Clothing displays a window sticker for Brad Darrell Day in the Oregon District. (Photo by Amelia Robinson)
"We all care about him," she said. "Everybody wanted to do something."
Participating Brad Darell Day bars, eateries and shops are displaying photos of Brad on giant stickers or cutouts. They include Oregon Express, Brim of Fifth, Tumbleweed, Heart Mercantile, Trolley Stop, Feathers Vintage, Gem City Tattoo Club, Glenn Scott Tattoo, Blind Bob's, Lily's Bistro, Dublin Pub, Fifth Street Wine and Deli, Ned Peppers, Hole in the Wall, Lucky's Taproom, Deaf Monty's Wine, Exotic Fantasies, Toxic Brewery and Bonnett's Bookstore. Merchants will offer raffle prizes, discounts, specials, etc. Tito's Handmade Vodka is matching up to $2,500 of funds raised.
Todd said a GoFundMe site just didn't seem appropriate and seemed too sad. She made felt moustaches for people to wear and is planning other activities.
"Later on he will see the picture and laugh about it," she said." It's not about people just giving him money. It's about having fun."
Dayton has unfortunately had to rally a lot over the last couple weeks.
Sometimes that community support has come in the form of kind words.
Archive photo: Tank’s Bar & Grill customers. TY GREENLEES / STAFF
Debra Tankersley, wife of Tank's Bar and Grill owner Dan "Tank" Tankersley, told me it will take her a long time to get through all the comments of supports she's received online since her beloved husband died Sunday.
Visitation for the man behind one of Dayton's most iconic taverns will be Wednesday, March 23, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Oakwood High School, 1200 Far Hills Ave., Oakwood. His funeral is noon Thursday at the school.
Jerry Gillotti with Gilly’s marquee. Dayton Daily News
Dayton took it as a personally when it heard news that Gilly's Jazz owner Gerald "Jerry" Gillotti was robbed and injured at his club around 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 16.
Gillotti has brought jazz, blues and other forms of music to the club at 132 S. Jefferson St. in downtown Dayton since 1972.
Dayton has once again proven that it values its gems in good and bad times.
Sometimes that sign of support also applies in the case of a rebound.
Lucky's Taproom was the place to be when it opened its doors roughly two weeks ago following a salmonella outbreak that sickened 26.
It could happen to anyone and how sad it happened to Lucky's was the resounding feeling.
Although only 5 years old, the unique business has made its mark on Dayton.
Lucky's has donated to local charities time and time again.
I watched as patrons after patron offered owner and bar industry veteran Drew Trick words of encouragement in what clearly are trying times.