After months of planning and countless hours of hard work, Trish and Scott Snyder, founders of Mantua-based charity Hero’s Rock, will be hitting the road. Part of their plan to make good on a promise to deliver hand-made rocking horses that commemorate fallen heroes to Fisher Houses, they’ll depart on a trip to deliver 19 rocking ‘ponies’ to the west coast over the next two months. But before they take off, their hometown will host a heart-felt send-off on Wednesday, August 31st, something fitting the size of the couple’s big, compassionate hearts.
According to Trish Snyder, co-founder of Hero’s Rock, the send off will begin at Crestwood High School, where the entire student body will line the entrance. “We will be escorted through town to the Village Hall, where the Crestwood Band will play the national anthem,” Ms. Snyder continued. Mantua Village Mayor Linda Clark, who will participate in the ceremony at the Village Hall, shared, “I think what Trish and Scott are doing for the families of the men and women who have sacrificed their lives is wonderful.”
Snyder went on to explain that the American Legion Post #193 will be providing a 21-gun salute at the send-off ceremony. The veterans group will also be supplying polished brass shells for Trish and Scott to present to the fallen veterans’ families at each rocker delivery. The community will be lining the streets as the travelers are escorted out of town by the Mantua Police; the Mantua-Shalersville Fire Department will participate in the event, as well. Local veteran and Hero’s Rock supporter Bob Maclearie arranged the event.
The event kicks off a trip to deliver hand-made rocking horses, dubbed ‘Patriotic Ponies,’ to Fisher Houses across the west coast. Each pony was made to commemorate the life and sacrifice of a fallen serviceman or woman, and will provide comfort and joy to the families who visit Fisher Houses while their own wounded heroes seek medical treatments. Local “Thank You” rallies will also be held along the way to honor the families of each hero commemorated.
“We have reached three-fourths of our fundraising goal — enough to hit the road,” Ms. Snyder shared. “We have vendors who are allowing us to pay when we return just to make sure we have the funds we need on the road! People are helping us in every way they can…it is so heartwarming and beautiful…” she marveled. “Our whole mission was to spread love and appreciation and for our community to show support in such a huge way is just overwhelming!”
Recently, Ravenna VFW Post #1055 Commander Andrew Casciato and 1st Lieutenant Honor Guard Ron Echelberry delivered a check for $1,000 to support the Patriotic Pony Tour. Their group will also be a part of the event on 8/31.
“We are honored and overwhelmed that the community has planned such a beautiful send off,” marveled Trish Snyder, co-founder of Hero’s Rock. “It is so heartwarming and truly amazing to have such support from our community.”
For more information, visit herosrock.us, find out more at the Hero’s Rock Facebook page, or call Trish & Scott at 650-ROCKERS (762-5377).
