When he heard about the recent ugly treatment a Mon refugee from Burma received from a local used-car dealership, Akron resident Chuck Auerbach decided to help by donating a Black Keys album for raffle, autographed by band members Patrick Carney and Dan Auerbach.
Chuck is Dan’s father.
Nai Rot — a new immigrant to Akron described as a hard-working employee — had been saving to purchase a car so he could have reliable transportation to and from work instead of taking the bus.
He has temporary living arrangements at the local Buddhist temple and works as a kitchen helper at a restaurant. “When Nai finally had enough pennies in the bank he went to a local used-car dealership and spent his hard-earned $1,755 for a 2001 Saturn,” a friend shared.
“Proud of his new purchase, he drove the car off the dealership’s lot to go home. Unfortunately, along the way, Nai’s new car stalled on an incline in the road ... After much discussion and pleading, the car dealership was adamant not to take responsibility for their product and refused to repair the car they sold him ...
“Elaine Chin, manager of Chin’s Place and Nai’s employer, empathized with him and proceeded to ask her Facebook friends what could be done to help Nai’s plight. Many offered suggestions and support. One in particular sprang into action. Chuck Auerbach decided that a way to help was to have a raffle with the prize being an autographed copy of the Black Keys’ El Camino album.”
All proceeds will go to help Nai Rot for the purchase of a reliable automobile from a reputable dealer. Raffle tickets are one for $5 or three for $10, available at Chin’s Place, 474 W. Market St., Akron (call 330-434-1998); or Market Path in Highland Square, 833 W. Market St., Akron. The West Hill Neighborhood Organization also has been helpful in getting the word out. Deadline for sales is Sept. 5.
Marine donates liver
USMC Sgt. Daniel Shobe’s loved ones have long thought of him as a hero, having joined the Marine Corps and survived a tour in Afghanistan.
Recently, he became an even bigger hero in their eyes.
Here’s the beautiful back story as shared by his proud aunt, Juanita Gonzalez Meyers Newell:
“Daniel recently donated 66 percent of his liver to his father, Larry Shobe, who had been on the liver transplant list since 2008; he was diagnosed with primary sclerosing cholangitis ...
“Daniel decided a few months ago to be tested to see if they matched. They were a match … Daniel had to go through the highest Commander in the Marine Corps and the highest Commander in the Navy … To my understanding the Marines and Navy had never had this request before, so it took a while for all the paperwork to go through. But when Daniel was told by his sisters and mother that the doctor said his dad needed surgery ASAP, Daniel contacted his Commander again … They then moved the paperwork as soon as they could to arrange for the surgery on Monday, July 22. It was such an heroic thing!”
In July, Larry had spoken at his church about how his wife, Josey, (Newell’s sister), after suffering a miscarriage, did not want to try for another child. A short time later, however, she found herself pregnant with the baby boy who 26 years later would save his father’s life.
At this writing, with the lengthy surgery complete, both were still recuperating at the Cleveland Clinic.
The Shobes are Barberton residents. Plans for a fundraiser will be announced later.
Carnival fundraiser
Melissa Anderson and more than 80 other volunteers are of the mindset that if something needs to be done, you do it.
That’s the thinking behind Saturday’s carnival-style fundraiser to help Uniontown Elementary kindergarten teacher Emily Lavy, who is battling leukemia.
“Emily is a single mother of a 6-year-old girl, a daughter, a sister and a tremendous friend,” Anderson wrote.
“Emily was recently diagnosed with AML leukemia. She has been a patient at the Cleveland Clinic for almost four weeks now. She has undergone two rounds of chemo so far and is now waiting for the results of her latest bone marrow test … We are all praying for her speedy recovery.”
The school-style carnival — geared to children 10 and under — will take place 1 to 5 p.m. at Grace United Church, 13275 Cleveland Ave., Lake Township (right across the street from Uniontown Elementary). In addition to carnival games, the event will have a firetruck, police cruiser, bounce house, dunk tank, face painting, clowns and a raffle table with Ohio State University football tickets, Cleveland Indians tickets, Kalahari waterpark passes, Cedar Point tickets, a 42-inch LED TV and more.
“Due to circumstances beyond her control, Emily’s position was not renewed for the 2013-14 school year and she will lose her health insurance on Aug. 31,” Anderson noted with urgency. All proceeds will help Lavy with her medical bills.
Cost to attend the carnival is $5 per child or $20 a family. For more information, please email emilylavyfund@yahoo.com.
Free haircuts for kids
Beyond Expectations Barber College and Legends Barbershop are rolling out the carpet to help students look good and feel better about themselves when school starts. They’re offering free basic haircuts 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Tuesday to the first 250 students, grades K-12, who show up at its two locations with signed parental consent forms: 2202Romig Road and 567 Vernon Odom Blvd.
Eric Garrett Sr., owner of both establishments, said the special community outreach is “really about going beyond expectations.”
“As a vocational school, we believe in the value of education and getting young folks energized about going back to school,” Garrett said. “We are also excited that the Women of Color Foundation, a 501(c)3, tax-exempt organization, has decided to join us in this important community effort, targeting boys and girls.”
In addition to haircuts, students also will receive book bags (donated by McDonald’s), insulated lunch bags (donated by Trogo Sales, an Akron-based uniform and apparel supplier), refreshments and entertainment.
Parents are encouraged to call 330-745-8288 for more information or visit the BEBC website at www.bebc-ohio.com.
Marchers to honor vets
Members of the Cadet-Ettes, a marching unit from Akron that traveled around the world to perform, are being summoned to perform at the Brimfield Fest Parade, Saturday, Sept. 21, in Brimfield.
The event will be an opportunity to honor Vietnam vets around the country, and many are coming to take part in the parade too, said Ramona Lindsay-Sisler, Cadet-Ettes director.
Interested in participating in this grand reunion? Please call 330-899-4211 or email Cadet-Ettes@hotmail.com.
Jewell Cardwell can be reached at 330-996-3567 or jcardwell@thebeaconjournal.com.