Dear Editor,
We would like to thank the community members and businesses of Garrettsville, Hiram, Mantua, Middlefield and surrounding communities, all race planners, participants, and all Summerfest visitors for the success of our Eighth Annual Friends of Melana 5K Race and Fun Walk.
This event is held annually in memory of our granddaughter, Melana Matson, and for the sole purpose of raising awareness and funds for children’s glioma brain cancer research. Currently, glioma research is primarily funded through grassroot organizations, such as ours.
Special gratitude to our race directors, Diana Morris and Doug Paroff, Deacon Gerry Scopolitti, the Garrettsville Police Dept., Chief Chris Sanchez, Community EMS, the GFN Fire District, The Community Journal, The Weekly Villager, the Summerfest Committee, Boy Scout troop #4262 and chaperones, Marianne Morrissey’s Girl Scout troop and helpers, for the patience of all vehicle drivers detained briefly on June 24, especially the United Methodist Church congregation.
A special thank you to our presenting sponsor, Kraftmaid Cabinetry, and our other generous and supportive sponsors: Cabi Dentistry, Great Lakes Cheese, Hermann Pickle Farms, Tarkett USA Inc., Westfield Insurance, Miller’s Family Restaurant, Best Friends Animal Clinic, Garrettsville Fraternal Order of Eagles #2705, St. Michael Knights of Columbus #4433, Shannan Jursa State Farm Insurance, St. Ambrose Knights of Columbus #11801, The Davey Tree Expert Company, Ryser Insurance Agency, The Community Journal, The Weekly Villager, Culligan Water, Heather Norman, Gary Harwood Photography, Huntington Bank, Save A Lot Food (Garrettsville), Dr. Reid M. Wenger Orthodontics, Bicker Irrigation, Carter Lumber Middlefield, Ritchie’s Sporting Goods, Great Lakes Hyundai, St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Audio Extremes Entertainment, Facet Salon and Spa, The Business Works, Sky Plaza IGA, Garrettsville Area Chamber of Commerce, J.C. Electric, Kepich Ford, New Hearing Sales and Service, Rotary Club of Garrettsville-Hiram, Streetsboro Sportsman Association, and Physio Orthopedics and Performance, and all businesses that donated door prizes. PLEASE patronize our sponsors.
This event would have never happened if it were not for The Friends of Melana team members, who work diligently to carry on Melana’s spirit and to let her hope shine on for other children and their families. Our entire mission is to STOPKIDSCANCER.org. Nine years ago, our community supported Melana for nine months and today you continue to support her legacy through your generosity. This year we raised $18,500 from this year’s event and private donations because of you.
May God bless you for your caring support,
Norm and Joyce Fashing
Heather and Dave Mazey
Ben and Kendra Fashing
The Friends of Melana Foundation Team
