The President's Corner

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Back in July I directed the Parma Run-Walk for Pierogies for the tenth year. We hosted 499 runners and walkers at Parma’s own Cuyahoga Community College’s Western Campus. Thanks to the success of the event, once again we were able to raise thousands of dollars to benefit local charities and projects. Part of our success was due to the generous sponsorship of former Parma mayor Dean DePiero. 

Having worked with Dean as a member of Parma City Council during the eight years of his tenure as mayor, I can attest to his commitment to giving back to the community. In his continuing mission to do so, he is directing the Bubble Blast Kathleen DePiero Memorial 5k. In its fourth year, the event will take place on Saturday, September 18 at 8:00 am at the North Royalton YMCA located at 11409 State Road, North Royalton.

The race is dedicated to the memory of Kathleen DePiero, Dean’s beloved late wife and former board member of the YMCA who is credited with the inception of the Bubble Blast in 2016. She is also credited as being a tremendous advocate for youth and families in the greater community. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Y’s Annual Campaign, granting low income area youth and families the opportunity to access Y programs and services, such as swim lessons, youth sports leagues, and before and after school childcare they otherwise could not afford.

Since 2018, the event has helped subsidize nearly $18,000 in programs, or the equivalent of 110 weeks of summer camp. In 2019 and 2020, the North Royalton Y supported almost $140,000 in scholarships for membership and programs. Throughout the 2020 COVID-19 crisis, the branch remained open for Pandemic Childcare for first responders, provided virtual programming and activities, implemented Y-Cares, a school age program to assist working parents during remote learning, and so much more. The Y is committed to strengthening the foundation of the community through programs that promote youth development, social responsibility, and healthy living, none of which would be possible without the support of community partners. In fact, they continue to have a strong partnership with the City of Parma Senior Center.

Participants in the Bubble Blast may run or walk in the 5k (3.1 miles) or the 1 mile course. 5K awards will be given to the top three male and female runners in the following age groups: 9 & Under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60 & over. For $25 all participants will receive a t-shirt, finisher medal, and post-event refreshments. To find out more and to sign up visit: runsignup.com/Race/OH/NorthRoyalton/BubbleBlast.