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Sun shines on children’s charity event for cancer, autism
YOUNGSTOWN
Two North Jackson-based children’s charities enjoyed excellent weather Saturday for a joint fund-raising event attended by more than 500 people in Austintown Township Park.
Saturday’s event was the second annual Kids Shine 4 a Cure, whose proceeds are divided equally between the Autistic Learning Foundation and the A Way with Words Foundation.
The Autistic Learning Foundation helps children diagnosed with autism-spectrum disorder by offering support, information packets, iPads as learning devices, necessary equipment, medical care and grants for summer camps.
A Way with Words Foundation benefits children battling cancer by providing groceries, care products and comfort items.
Saturday’s fundraiser included an Every Mile Matters Walk-a-Thon over a one-mile course, a kite-flying contest, face- painting, a basket auction and a 50-50 raffle.
“When it comes to kids, I’m on board 110 percent,” said Jim Davis, Austintown trustees chairman, who came to participate in the walk with his daughter, Gabby, 3, and his dog, Cooper, a Morkie (Yorkie-Maltese mix). ‘‘Anytime you can help a community organization, it’s just so important to be a part of it. ... The best way to get to my heart is through kids,” Davis said.
“There are families that need the additional help. They struggle on a day-to-day basis, so to come out here and help raise some money for those families, it was important for me to be here,” Davis added.
Participating in the kite-flying was Brian McArthur, his daughter, Briah McArthur, 5, his nephews, Jeremiah Bradley, 7, and Zachariah Ellington, 6, and his niece, Mia Ellington, 3, and his adult niece, Porsha McArthur, all of Youngstown.
“She loves kites,” McArthur said of his daughter, who attended the Mill Creek MetroParks’ biennial kite festival last year.
Taking advantage of an open field on high land, they flew kites with various themes, including ladybug, butterfly and pirate designs. “What’s most enjoyable about this event right now is the pleasant weather, and all the people out here are really friendly and really helpful,” he said.
An image of Sponge Bob was painted on Briah’s face at the event.
Youngstown artist Chris Yambar autographed comic books containing his drawings for the children, McArthur said.
“I couldn’t think of a better thing to do today than to come out and to support our kids,” Yambar said. “That’s what we need to do, put something back and do something good for our kids because they’re really our future,” Yambar added.
The Austintown Fire Department displayed a fire engine, and the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office displayed its diving-team equipment.
Country singer and songwriter Tommy Cole Smolko of Nashville, formerly of Struthers, who is known professionally as Tommy Cole, gave a free concert in the bandshell.
The sunny skies and comfortable temperatures Saturday were in sharp contrast to the snow and rain mix that marred the event last year at the Kirk Road park.
“Both organizations deal with children and the welfare of children, so, together, we’re trying to make a difference,” said Daniel Gallagher, president of the Autistic Learning Foundation. “It’s costly to have a big event, so it’s better to have two groups come together and help each other,” he said of the two causes being supported by the event.
“We both have the same goal. It’s all for the kids,” said Brenda M. Rider, founder and president of A Way with Words Foundation.
All services of both foundations are provided free of charge to families benefitting from them, and all donations to both remain in the Mahoning Valley. Both groups are all-volunteer organizations and IRS- registered charities.
A Way with Words Foundation Inc. can be reached at 330-360-3300, or at www.awaywithwordsfoundation.org on the web.
The Autistic Learning Foundation can be reached at 330-881-0157, or at www.autisticlearningfoundation.org.