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Middle Bass Fundraiser for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation a Success
from Katie Stitak
August 16th was a day that I truly can’t still believe happened! On this day, our little island in the middle of lake Erie, really showed how amazing this small but mighty community is! A few years ago I became a part of this wonderful foundation, Alex’s lemonade Stand Foundation. I joined this foundation not only to run on Team Lemon for the NYC marathon, but to also be a part of helping find the cure for childhood cancer! When my niece Ruby was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of two, during her diagnoses and treatment the amount of people who showed support not only with donations but just being there for my family was so overwhelming. SO, when my friend Laura Fogg convinced me to sign up for the NYC marathon, that is where my story with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation began!
This year was our third year doing this fundraiser to raise money for childhood cancer research! Each year that I run the New York City I must raise $3,500 to run with this charity! I had a huge goal of wanting to raise $40,000 this year and I am thrilled to say not only did we meet that goal, but we also exceeded that goal! My idea of raising money and having a fundraiser only went so far, the people of Middle Bass and Put in Bay are the ones who truly helped accomplish this goal and I will forever be grateful to every single person that helped in achieving this goal!
This fundraiser and the amount of money we raised was because of some generous people and they need to be acknowledged.
Laura Schanz! Words cannot describe how much it means for all the help and time you put into this fundraiser! The Schanz family donated two jet ski’s that we auctioned off! (Congratulations to the winners, Dan Bishop and Brian Poupard) Multiple baskets, helping with setting up and tearing down and a generous donation!! Thank you thank you. This fundraiser could not be done without you!!
My Team Lemon Volunteers! Danielle and Rob Lasota, Art Wolf, Gretchen and Dink Dildine, Paula and David Darr, Katie and Johnny Schneider, Howard Hahn, Megan Weber, Aimee and Jason Held, Marguerite Zitello, Bill and Cindy Hyatt, Emma Berner, Joyce Shramo, Jon and Allison Linhart, Lynda David, Teddy Morris, Jackson and Eddie Sheller! You guys are what makes this event each year be such a success and run so smooth! I can never thank you enough for all the time and effort you put into this event each year!! It means the world to me!
The Middle bass community! Thank you to the Sonny S, Walleyes, The Island Grind, MBI Maintenance, Middle Bass Construction Company, Town Hall and Hazards for your donations! Each year you have supported and donated to the cause, and I truly appreciate it! To all the middle bass people who donated baskets or silent auction items to be auctioned off! We had well over 70 donations for silent auction and raffle baskets! Incredible!!! Thank you! You always come up with different exciting baskets and it is so much fun to see how excited everyone gets about the baskets!
Thank you to Scott and Rose Seighman and Billy Mitchell, (bar supplies), Dave Bugoci (excellent pork and chicken) Sherri and Mike Gandoff (mac and cheese), Cathy Stitak (beans), Katie Schneider (lemon desserts) and everyone else who donated desserts! This crew is the reason you left the event with full bellies and felt relaxed! Thank you for your donations!
The Put-in-Bay community! Thank you to Cameo Pizza, Put in Bay Gazette, Reel Bar, Forge, Island surf shop, Fish bowl, Boardwalk, Round House, Miller Boat Line, Island air Taxi, Jet Express, Griffing, Rattlesnake Island and all the other donations and support! Thank you to everyone from PIB who came over to the event to celebrate!
Also thank you all the mainland companies for your donations! Bassett’s, Matt and Chelsea Kalister for donating the cavs and monster packages, Patio Enclosers, Carter lumber, basset, Crider jewelers and many more. Thank you so much for your donations!
My family! To be a part of a family like mine is truly special. They are supportive, kind, and all-around great people! I won the lottery when I was born into this family. Each year, my mom, dad, brother, sister-in-law, nieces, cousins, aunts, uncles, and extended family have shown up to not only support me, donate baskets and food but support this foundation! You are truly the best and I appreciate and love you all so much!
Last but not least, my niece Ruby! This is all for you my beautiful Ruby Drew! When you were born you made me an “official” aunt and it has been my greatest joy being your aunt! You have been an inspiration and you are the reason I became an ambassador for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation! I will continue to do what I can to help other children and families who are going through this terrible disease the way they have helped us! Congratulations on being such a little fighter and beating cancer!! THREE YEARS CANCER FREE!
Now it’s my turn to do my part and run a little 26.2 miles in New York! We got this Ruby!
Thank you to everyone again! See you all next year! LET’S GOOOO TEAM LEAM!
The previous piece is published in this month’s Put-in-Bay Gazette. The Gazette has been producing incredible independent Put-in-Bay island news for over 40 years. If you have any interest at all in what is happening on South Bass Island, we urge you strongly to subscribe to the Put-in-Bay Gazette. One-year online subscriptions are only $15, and print subscriptions are available as well. To subscribe please click here.
