Fundraising for Easter Seals can be as easy as a walk in Boardman Park

By Elise Mckeown Skolnick

Last year’s Walk With Me event raised $21,000; this year’s goal was $30,000.

BOARDMAN — People of all ages — and even a few dogs — showed up bright and early to walk and run in Boardman Park for a good cause.

About 250 to 300 people participated in the fifth annual Easter Seals of Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties Walk With Me event Saturday to raise money for the organization’s programs.

“They can walk, they can run, and like we like to say, they can roll if they come in their wheelchair,” said Jodi Harmon, Easter Seals development and public relations coordinator. “So we kind of leave it to everybody, and you can do whatever you want. Some people just come and enjoy the fellowship and just hang out and have a good time.”

Events included a 1-mile, 3-kilometer or 5-kilometer walk or run. Registration was free, and participants who raised at least $25 received a T-shirt. This year’s event also included a spaghetti lunch.

“I’m glad to be able to do it for a good cause,” said Andy Acierno of Youngstown.

His granddaughter benefits from Easter Seals programs, he said, which is why he’s participating this year for the first time. He raised $60 running the 5K.

Last year’s Walk With Me event raised $21,000, Harmon said. This year’s goal was $30,000.

“We use this to raise funds for our programs and services,” she said.

Easter Seals provides services, such as physical therapy, day care and adult day programs, for children and adults with disabilities and special needs.

For Kaely Hawkins, a member of the CVS team, it feels as if things have come full circle for her.

“I used to go to Easter Seals [for speech therapy] when I was little,” she said. “So it’s kind of nice to be kind of helping it out now.”

Many participants are those who use the services, Harmon noted.

“They get all excited, and they get their family to come and walk,” she said.

Leading the walk were past and present Easter Seals representatives, people who have received services from the organization and for a year help Harmon get the word out about Easter Seals.

“Those are the people that will lead the way, and it’s nice for the community to come out and literally see what we’re doing at Easter Seals; these are the people we serve,” she said.

Jessi Fonce, a member of the Girard High School Key Club, agreed. “It’s a good thing. And the kids are here, so that makes it even more special,” she said.

Fonce formed a team with Ali Fonce and Christian Desmond, also Key Club members.