YOUNGSTOWN — Kevin Lowry became teary-eyed as his deep admiration for David Sweeney bubbled to the surface.

“I have the utmost respect for that man and how he could take a tragedy and turn it into a blessing for other children in the community,” Lowry, of Boardman, said.

Lowry, who also serves as the riders’ director for Leetonia-based American Legion Post 131, did more than express his strong respect for Sweeney, however. He also was among those who took his admiration on the road via participating in Saturday’s third annual Ride 4 Rowan Memorial Bike Run fundraiser that began and ended at East Side Civics & Athletic Club, 968 E. Midlothian Blvd., on the South Side.

Proceeds will go toward building Rowan’s Memorial Playground in Boardman Park, a project in honor and in memory of Rowan Sweeney, 4, who was shot to death Sept. 21, 2020, in a Struthers home invasion robbery at a Perry Street residence a few weeks before his 5th birthday on Oct. 4.

Brandon Crump, Kimonie Bryant and Andre McCoy drew lengthy prison terms for their roles in the crime.

Rowan’s father, David Sweeney of Canfield, estimated the playground at $700,000, of which more than $132,000 has been raised. Saturday’s four-hour Ride 4 Rowan, which featured nearly 70 motorcycles, brought in $5,051, Sweeney noted.

The playground, which is to be erected near the park’s bocce courts, would be all-inclusive and specially designed with adaptive equipment for children who have special needs, similar in design and concept to The Walnut Grove in Canfield, he said.

Lowry, who served 10 years in the U.S. Army that included a tour of duty in Afghanistan, said that after Rowan’s killing, his and David Sweeney’s friendship deepened. As difficult as it may have been for him to see combat on the other side of the world, it pales in comparison to what Sweeney has had to endure — and is continuing to deal with, Lowry stressed.

“If he reaches out, we’re right there,” said Lowry, who also rode with his wife, Randi Arnold. “He’s our standby. If he needs something, we got it.”

Also extending his heart to the Sweeney family was Justin Thrush of Struthers, who took his bright-red customized 2019 Harley Classic motorcycle on the road for the ride that included stops in Liberty and Mercer County, Pa., as well as at the Mount Carmel Society in Lowellville and Penguin City Brewing Co. in Youngstown.

“He has been through a lot, and whatever I can do to help him, I do,” Thrush said, adding that he and Sweeney shared a few classes as Struthers High School students. “He’s a good guy, and I feel bad for what happened.”

Even though Rob Ritchie of Youngstown didn’t know Sweeney, he felt no less compelled to spend part of Saturday in the charity ride to assist him.

“I wanted to help out a good cause. We love showing our support,” said Ritchie, who is part of the local Red Knights International Motorcycle Club Chapter 7.

Ritchie, who also is a Lowellville volunteer firefighter and a heavy-equipment operator, added that Saturday marked his second year in the motorcycle run on behalf of Rowan.

Now that Bryant, Crump and McCoy are facing decades behind bars and their cases have been adjudicated, Sweeney is focused on moving forward in finding greater peace and healing, largely by getting the playground project off the ground to not only remember his son, but to benefit many children and adults.

In addition to everyone who took part in the fundraiser ride, he expressed gratitude to Corey Shofroth, who owns Moonshine Q BBQ, for donating the food and his time to the event.

“Dave reached out to me,” Shofroth said. “When I do good, it comes back to me.”

To make a donation to Rowan’s Memorial Playground, go to www.rowansmemorialpark.com.