The final year of the Rollie Run could not have dawned on a better day as runners and walkers prepared for the race. The event, at Community Homecoming Park, took place June 18 on a beautiful, cool summer morning under bright blue skies. Held in memory of Rollie Denker III, a township resident and 1979 graduate of Springfield High School who died in 2004, the event raises money for Mr. Denker’s surviving children, the American Heart Association and scholarships awarded to SHS students who plan to pursue degrees in a medical field.
Sherri Koback, event organizer, said 300 people participated in this year’s run/walk, raising more than $3,500. Funds raised this year will go toward scholarships with the balance of the funds given to Laney and Rollie Denker IV to help pay their college expenses.
With the Denker children now in college, Ms. Koback said the time has come to conclude the annual fund-raiser. Laney is a student at the University of Toledo, and Rollie will attend Michigan State University in the fall. An outstanding grappler in high school, he will wrestle for the Spartans.
A number of Springfield Schools organizations participated in the Rollie Run including the high school soccer team, cheerleaders, JROTC who raised the flag for the national anthem, several track stars and National Honor Society members.
Ms. Koback expressed appreciation to everyone who entered the race, the volunteers for their help and Springfield Township Fire/EMS for being on hand. “Regardless of your reason for being here, we give you a big heartfelt thank you,” she said. “Thank you to all of the friends and family for making this event happen for 18 years.”
Her voice choked with emotion, she added, “I feel thankful that although the family was heartbroken over a sudden loss, I was able to create something to keep the memory alive for a family that was very involved in our church and community. We were able to celebrate his kids and help others through scholarships, while also having an opportunity to show his children who lost their dad at a very young age how many people loved and supported them.”
With the help of supporters, 65 scholarships have been awarded over the years as well as American Heart Association donations. The Rollie Run began in traditional fashion with the national anthem sung by Madeline Tabai as JROTC cadets raised the flag. It was followed by warm-up exercises led by Geri Aultman and Haley Angeli.
Mrs. Koback thanked businesses for their support, noting without their assistance, the event would not be possible. “A special thanks goes to Chet Welch and Jane Maiolo of the Holland-Springfield Journal, our major sponsors for 18 years who helped us spread the word about the Rollie Run. We can’t thank them enough for all the positive things they do for our community.”
In addition to the Journal, this year’s sponsors are Berquist Incorporated, Blessings in Disguise, Robb Brown, Brett Denker Insurance, Chick-fil-A, Chitter Chatter ice cream, Danberry Realtors, Denker family, Mike Falkenberg realtor, Heartandsoul Fitness Center, Ev and Lana Harris, Holland Laundry, Holland-Springfield Rotary Club, Kocrete LLC, MHL Computer Products, Ken Musch, Dr. Michael and Pat O’Shea, PizzAroma, Silk Screen Shop, Springfield High School JROTC, Springfield-Holland Alumni Association, Springfield Township, Strawberry Festival, Subway, T&S Tool, Taylor Learning Center, Vinyl Design, Kristina White, Wingeddesign and Yoder Machinery.
Above left, runners sprint as the race begins. Above right, the Blue Devil and Chick-fil-A mascots lead the crowd, dancing to “YMCA” by the Village People. At right, volunteers take a quick break before setting up post-race refreshments. For more photos, see page 7
