Third annual ‘Walk for Awareness’ moves to Poland
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POLAND – The third annual "Walk for Awareness" has been set for Saturday at Poland Village Hall, 308 S. Main St. Registration will open at 9 a.m. and the walk will kick off at 10 a.m. The 2K walk will have an extended route into Riverside Cemetery.
This event was originally held at Dobbins Elementary School. It is hosted by an organization called A.M. Wake Up Call, which was developed by Donna McAuley following the untimely death of her daughter, Amanda.
"It is all about making good choices," McAuley said.
Amanda had a good start in life. She was a Poland Seminary High School cheerleader, and was a member of the swim team, tennis team and the ski club. She had earned the title of America Miss Teen Top Model while in high school.
Amanda graduated in 2014 and was ready to pursue a career in modeling and acting. In 2016, she moved to Los Angeles to pursue her dream, which turned into a nightmare after she attended a party and was unknowingly introduced to Fentanyl. Then COVID-19 hit.
"After COVID, Amanda ended up on the streets in California," McAuley said. "I went out there, found her and brought her back home."
By that time, Amanda had been hooked on Fentanyl and couldn't shake the addiction. She continued to use it and ended up living in an abandoned house in Trumbull County. She was in and out of court for drug-related charges and on April 5, 2023, she died of a Fentanyl overdose.
"When Amanda was on the streets, I had nightmares about losing her,” McAuley said. "When she passed, I sat down and started praying. I was really listening to God."
She felt that God wanted her to join the fight against Fentanyl and it brought her to form the 501(C)3 nonprofit A.M. Wake Up Call, designed to bring awareness to youth and help them make good choices in life. McAuley started putting the message out by renting billboards. The most recent one is located over the Texas Roadhouse restaurant.
This year's walk will include Main Street, Center Road and Riverside Drive, with an extended leg going into Riverside Cemetery. Games, a bounce house and food trucks will be set up at Village Hall as well as a basket raffle. Cash prizes and giveaways will be available to winning fundraising teams.
"The goal for this year is to raise $100,000," McAuley said. "It will help fund three separate projects targeting young people."
The first A.M. Wake Up Call project is "Bright Choices." This program is all about reaching children at an early age before they are faced with that first dangerous decision.
"We want to get into schools, open conversations, build confidence, and empower kids to make healthy choices," McAuley said. "We want to reach our kids before Fentanyl does."
The second project is "Amanda, the Play." That play was performed last October at Powers Auditorium with a cast of more than 60 actors, dancers and singers. McAuley said she is trying to convert the play into one that can be offered to schools for performances.
"I need to perfect it and get it school ready," she said. Then I can give it to high schools."
The third project for A.M. Wake Up Call is the creation of "Inspiring Change Videos." McAuley said she wants to use talented artists, music, story-telling and powerful videos to connect with young people.
"We know kids are on their phones, watching videos and scrolling through social media every day," she said. "So instead of waiting for them to come to us, we're going to reach them where they already are."
"I feel God chose me to do all this," McAuley said. "I can feel Amanda and carry her memory with me all the time. I am so driven to do this."
For the walk, McAuley said she has family flying in from across the country to participate. She feels this year's event will be the biggest and best yet and will bring in the funding to carry on the mission of reaching kids.
McAuley recently attended a Village Council meeting to request the Village Hall be opened for restrooms and so electricity could be available. Council unanimously approved her request.
"Poland Village Council is proud to support the third annual Walk for Awareness in honor of Poland's own Amanda McAuley," said Councilwoman Laurie LaPlante. "Loss from Fentanyl touches every corner of a community, and by opening the Village Hall grounds for this event, we are happy to be able to stand alongside Amanda's family and friends. Educating our young people about the real devastating dangers of Fentanyl is critical, and we are deeply grateful for the efforts being made by Amanda's mother, Donna, and all those involved with this organization to protect and inform our youth."
For inquiries into the event, call 330-716-0376 or visit amwakeupcall.org.