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Boardman spaghetti dinner for 3rd-grader with leukemia
By Bruce Walton
BOARDMAN
At the beginning of the school year, Market Street Elementary third-grader Kellen Grace was diagnosed with leukemia, which affected many in the Boardman community.
And the community offered some hope after isolation for weeks and chemotherapy for Kellen, all while his mother, Tricia Avers, stayed at his bedside in the hospital. Many residents poured into the Boardman High School cafeteria Thursday night for the “Kick-In for Kellen Carry-Out Fund Raiser.” Spaghetti dinners were sold with proceeds going toward the Kellen Grace Benefit Fund.
The event was started by Tanna Sebrell, Parent-Teacher Association member and STEM coordinator, who wanted to do something to help Kellen and his single mom with expenses.
“There is so little that you can do – either than pray or raise money – and we went a little crazy with both,” she said.
Money might not fix everything, but Sebrell hopes “it keeps Trisha by her son’s side a little longer.”
For two weeks, Sebrell organized with the Market Street School PTA, current and former students and staffers, and countless local small businesses to raise money and organize the event. The PTA also sold the T-shirts honoring Kellen, as well as selling beverages and tickets for a raffle for donated gift baskets, a bike and a grill at the event. Guests could also enjoy face-painting and a photo booth that will put their photos in a scrapbook for Kellen.
Kellen’s grandparents from Alliance, Tim and Diane Avers, said they were heartbroken when they heard about Kellen’s illness. After seeing the community support for their grandchild, they felt humbled. “I can’t believe the support [Tricia Avers has] got from the school,” Diane said.
So far, Sebrell said they have sold more than 400 spaghetti dinners in addition to the donations, raffle ticket and drink sales. They have raised $7,000 in the past two weeks and hope to raise more from the event.