It is time for the 18th annual and final “Rollie Run” in memory of Rollie Denker III. The community walk/ run, held in conjunction with the annual Strawberry Festival, is set for 8:30 a.m., Saturday June 18, at Community Homecoming Park, 7807 Angola Road.
Sponsors and participants are being sought for this year’s run. Rollie Run is held in memory of Rollie Denker III, a nurse at Toledo Hospital, who passed of a heart attack in October 2004.
He left behind two young children, family and many friends. The run celebrates Rollie and honors his children with a 3-mile course–0.1 and 2-mile options also are available.
With Rollie’s children heading to college now, the run has come full circle,” explained organizer Sherri Koback, adding, “We are looking to make 2022 the biggest and best Rollie Run.”
New sponsors are encouraged to become involved this year and Mrs. Koback expressed appreciation to the many loyal sponsors and community members for their continued support over the years.
Sponsorships are available in several categories:
•Major–donation of $200 or an exchange of goods/services.
•Blue Devil Sponsor– donation of $150.
Organizers are in the process of completing the advertisements, posters, website, and more. Sponsors’ names will appear on “Rollie Run T-Shirts.”
Businesses also will have the opportunity to provide coupons/flyers for bags that will be distributed to each race participant the day of the walk/run.
In the past 17 years, Rollie Run has given more than 60 scholarships to Springfield High School graduating students interested in going into the medical profession.
Donations in Rollie’s memory also have been made to the American Heart Association for ongoing research causing heart disease, the Rollie Denker III children’s education fund and the Aly Courville fund.
To be a sponsor or register for the race, visit rollierun. com or the organization’s Facebook page. For more information, call Mrs. Koback at 419-351-0616.
