Running up support
VOLUNTEERS RUN UP SUPPORT fOR LAUREL RUNBy MICHAEL RUKAVINA
Article Photos
If every car on the road in Northern Chautauqua County donated $1 Wednesday morning, that would generate a lot of money. Although that didn't happen, enough drivers took the time to purchase the special edition paper to benefit the Laurel Run and helped raise a whopping $2,318.11.
Dozens of volunteers took to the streets of Fredonia, Dunkirk, Sheridan, Silver Creek, Irving, Brocton, Forestville, Westfield, Cassadaga and Gowanda to help sell the $1 newspaper to benefit the Laurel Fund in The Resource Center Foundation.
"It's hard to say 'no' to some persistent kids," Steve Waterson, Community Relations Director at the Resource Center said while selling on the corner of Routes 60 and 5.
"We have a bunch of kids from the Fredonia High School and Dunkirk High School that are really blanketing the immediate area. They did really well the last two years."
Three Tim Hortons drive-thru locations and the Dunkirk/Fredonia Wal-Mart offered a constant flow of donation opportunities as well. Many volunteers noted how welcoming many of the donors were.
"It's been pretty good," Morgan Stewart, FCS senior said while posted at the Tim Hortons drive thru in Fredonia. "There have been a few people who just kind of turn their eyes down and pretend they don't see me but there's also been a lot of friendly people willing to donate. A lot of people were asking what it was for and as soon as I said it was for the Laurel Run they knew what I was talking about and they were happy to support it."
This year marked the eight year that the OBSERVER has produced a special edition fund-raiser. The last three years have supported the Laurel Run with community contributions totaling over $8,000.
If the cause wasn't enough, the persistent salespeople sealed the deal. One spunky saleswoman at Wal-Mart even sold this reporter a paper.
"They do know what the paper is for and we're very polite with them, that's why we get all of these sales," said Marebell Lanphere of Fredonia. "It has been phenomenal. People say they'll get the paper on their way out, even when they're busy. One person purchased one for me so it was really nice."
A dozen kids from the unofficially named "Team Krauza" stormed the major intersections in downtown Fredonia for some good ole' fashion selling in the streets.
"I love the resource center and I love Laurel and Wayne Hotelling, her dad, has been a great influence," Greg Krauza said of the sale. "These kids take the time to come out and donate their effort. It's wonderful the things they do not only for the Resource Center but in all aspects of the community, it makes you feel good about where our society is going."
Krauza also noted how well this community responds to fund-raising efforts. Roberta Coniglio of Fredonia also had a great group put together who helped sell in the village. The dozens of volunteers spanning the 10 communities are coordinated by The Resource Center.
"Our special edition sale is a community effort," OBSERVER Publisher John D'Agostino said. "We receive a great deal of assistance from the staff at the Resource Center, the volunteers and our staff at the OBSERVER. This sale, without question, always makes for an exciting day at our office."
This years fundraiser topped last years sale in the rain by over $500.
"Today went very well," Waterson said. "We geared up for today, but the next big thing now is the Laurel Run next Friday (July 17) and that's always great with Mayor Frey and the city of Dunkirk hosting the event."
Comments on this article may be sent to mrukavina@observertoday.com
