Girls on the Run of Stark County held its 5th annual fundraiser at Maize Valley Market and Winery in Hartville on Saturday evening. Mary Jo Shea chaired the event, which featured wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, gift baskets and a raffle.
Sharon Abahazi welcomed guests and sold tickets for the gift raffle.
Girls on the Run is part of a national organization that provides activities to inspire and motivate girls, encourages lifelong health and fitness and builds confidence in young girls, said Patty Lovell, founder of the local chapter. The 10-week program culminates with a 5K Run/Walk at Walsh University.
Program Director Amy Shock said that the program was offered in 11 school districts across Stark County in 2013, and plans are to expand to 14 schools and empower more than 600 girls in 2014.
Rebecca Falconer came from Chicago for the event. She has been a running buddy in the Chicago chapter. Matt Abahazi joined the program as a coach after his daughters became involved in the program.
Enjoying the event were Tonya Haroff and her son, Scott; John Lovell; Melanie and Kurt Neading; Jennifer Arnold; Linda Wise; Megan Hodge; and Nancy Grubb and her daughter, Anna.
Dawn Rizzo and Spencer Clark served wine samples to guests; Rizzo recommended guests try the cranberry, blackberry and cherry fruit wines.
Meanwhile, Michelle Bakan set up an hors d’oeuvres buffet. Bakan said Maize Valley is getting ready for its fall season with a “locomotion” corn maze, wagon rides, races and its traditional Pumpkin Cannon Slingshot.
Looking over the silent auction items were Mary Ann Gaynor, Sally and Terry Lewis, Janice and Gail Lance, Jean Case and Ken Buzzelli.
Becky Risaliti and Beth Manse looked forward to winning prizes with their armload of raffle tickets.
James Miller and Christina Burkholder stepped out on the patio to enjoy the beautiful summer evening.
They were joined by Laura Sigrist, Patty Yale, Christine Conti, Barb DeJacimo, Carmen Markley, Kellie Johnson, Janet Chlebina and Barbara Habowski.