JoJo's Day Of Joy Keeps Little Girl's Memory Alive

Josephine Ohlhaut drowned in Hidden Valley Lake in 2017. To preserve her memory and thank supporters, her family is putting on a community picnic June 2.

Five-year-old Josephine "JoJo" Ohlhaut's family and the Hidden Valley community will remember her at a picnic on Sunday, June 2. Photo provided.

(Hidden Valley, Ind.) - The memory of Josephine “JoJo” Ohlhaut will be celebrated this weekend in Hidden Valley.

“She loved to see the beauty in others," her mother, Katie Ohlhaut, shares.

Now, the Ohlhaut family is adopting their late daughter’s belief in finding the good that can come from unexpected places.

The Ohlhauts were at a gathering at the Hidden Valley Lake beach on June 3, 2017. Five-year-old JoJo removed her life jacket, had trouble swimming, and drowned in only about three feet of water.

The accident shook the Hidden Valley community. It devastated the Ohlhauts.

In the time following JoJo’s death, relatives, friends, classmates and even strangers rallied around the family of eleven. The show of support amazed Katie.

JoJo’s Day of Joy is the Ohlhauts’ way of saying “thank you” to the community. The second annual free event will happen Sunday, June 2 starting at 3:00 p.m. at the Hidden Valley Lake Sports Complex on Alpine Drive. All are welcome.

Visitors will be able to enjoy a freewill donation grill-out, with money raised going toward a scholarship at St. Lawrence School. St. Lawrence School 7th graders will be selling sodas to fund their 8th grade mission trip. There will also be face painting, makeup and nails for girls, a home run derby, cornhole for a $5 entry fee, and a basket raffle.

“She always loved a good party,” Katie says.

Last year’s first event raised about $2,000.

Most importantly, JoJo’s Day of Joy will help keep alive the memory of a sweet young girl who was outgoing and generous with hugs and compliments toward others.

“It started as a way to remember what she loved to do, with the face painting and makeup.”

Details for JoJo's Day of Joy can be found on Facebook.