Staff report

EAST PALESTINE — An outpouring of support for East Palestine residents was seen May 15 as golf icon Annika Sorenstam brought together a powerhouse team of celebrities, local organizations and donors to ultimately raise $400,000 for those affected by the Feb. 3 train derailment.

The total raised was announced Wednesday by organizations that put together the event.

The Annika Fore East Palestine Golf Outing came together when Sorenstam’s husband, Mike McGee, a native of East Palestine and son of local PGA Tour champion Jerry McGee, reached out to Ed Muransky to hold a fundraiser for the McGees’ hometown.

“Annika and our McGee family are thrilled to see the money we helped raise go to such great causes in the East Palestine community, especially the youth initiatives,” McGee said. “Hopefully, this can lift the morale a little.”

In less than 50 days, Muransky helped pull together a world class golf outing with key partners and sponsors.

“I am so proud to be a small part of such a wonderful day showcasing our valley,” said Muransky, CEO of The Muransky Companies. “The volunteers, celebrities, golfers and everyone involved all prove we live in a great place.”

In partnership with The Way Station and the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley, Sorenstam and the McGees determined the distribution of funding with their priority being youth sports in the East Palestine community.

“Our United Way was honored to assist The Way Station in this fundraiser,” Bob Hannon, president of the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley, said.

The first round of funding will be:

• Little Bulldogs football and cheerleading — $20,000;

• Youth girls softball — $20,000;

• Youth golf program — $25,000;

• Rotary soccer — $10,000;

• East Palestine Youth Sports Association — $20,000;

• Fellowship of Christian Athletes — $10,000;

• High school athletics — $50,000;

• East Palestine teachers union — $25,000;

• Fine and performing arts — $15,000;

• Robotics and STEM — $20,000;

• Bulldog Bucks for East Palestine businesses — $25,000;

• Camp Hope for first responders — $35,000.

The remaining money will go to The Way Station in East Palestine and be put in an account for future initatives.

“We are excited to support the residents of East Palestine and specifically the children with educational, athletic and faith-based projects. The children have shown so much resiliency with their capacity to recover from the stress and trauma of this experience,” said Chaney Nezbeth, executive director of The Way Station. “These programs will provide diverse opportunities and remove financial barriers to participation that will instill pride in themselves and their community.”

Nezbeth said the money will help The Way Station position itself to continue to serve those in need and assist with the evolving problems faced by the residents.

“The Way Station is grateful to Annika, the McGees, Mr. Muransky and all those who came together to help those in need,” said Chaney. “We do not know what the future holds but feel more confident with a foundation of funds to build upon.”

People can still donate to The Way Station to support its work in East Palestine by visiting www.thewaystationinc.org .

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