Hotellings thank community for Laurel Run support

SILVER CREEK -- Wayne and Elaine Hotelling were welcomed guests at a recent Silver Creek Village Board meeting, and just as the couple often does, they left smiles on the faces of everyone around them.

Wayne Hotelling spoke during public comments at the meeting and passed a photo of their daughter, Laurel, riding a custom bicycle, beaming with joy. The board members passed the photo along as Hotelling offered thanks for the community’s support of the annual Laurel Memorial Run in his daughter’s memory.

“Our reason for being here is to thank all of you. The Department of Public Works, the Fire Department, the Fire Police, all of the businesses who support us and donate things for the basket raffles and everything,” Hotelling said.

Hotelling also thanked police departments from Jamestown, Dunkirk, Fredonia, the County Sheriffs and the State Police. “We couldn’t do this without them,” Hotelling said.

Hotelling also singled out Mayor Jeff Hornburg and Senator George Borrello, who were out in the streets selling special editions of the OBSERVER and the Post-Journal to raise money for the event, which held its 27th annual run earlier this summer. Proceeds from the event benefit The Resource Center.

“It hasn’t been easy, of course, coming up after Covid. But we’re rebounding and we’re coming back – and we plan to be back next year,” Hotelling said.

Hotelling smiled as he described Laurel’s Lap, a special event during the festivities to celebrate individuals with disabilities.

“What a godsend down at the park. All those people with disabilities that are down there, oh my goodness, they are having a ball,” Hotelling said. “That’s what the Laurel Run is all about, Laurel’s Lap. That’s what Laurel was doing.”

The Hotellings will be taking a step back from their efforts coordinating the event, but will remained involved in a lesser capacity moving forward.

“We’ve got three very capable people that are going to step in and help us – but we will be here, though we won’t be doing as much,” Hotelling said.

The Village Board gave its thanks to the Hotellings for their efforts over the years. “We appreciate what you do and how you do it. I think I speak for the Board when I say that as long as the spirit’s willing, the Village will be on your side,” said Hornburg.

“I’d add my thanks to the Hotellings for all those many years of leadership for the Laurel Run,” Trustee Kathy Tampio later added.

The Laurel Memorial Run remains on track for its 28th annual event next summer.

“The Laurel Memorial Run is something that will always be dear to Elaine and I, and our family, and I think also to the Village of Silver Creek,” Hotelling said.