Community Corner
Area Residents to Run "Miles For Melanie"
Residents plan to walk or race this weekend to raise money in honor the memory of Melanie Rossini.
The community will rally once again during a second fundraiser being held this Sunday in support of the Rossini family.
Melanie Rossini passed away at the age of 20 last July after suffering a pulmonary embolism. The daughter of Thomas and Lynn Rossini, she has two sisters, Katie and Lisa, who have organized two fundraising events to memorialize their sister.
The family, as well as Melanie's best friends Kylie and Lauren Rousseau have been organizing fundriasing events to build an indoor/outdoor pavillion at YMCA Camp Sloper in Rossini's name.
Rossini worked at the YMCA during high school, and her mother Lynn, was a long-time former employee. YMCA staff member Sharon Rousseau, Lauren and Kylie's mother, is also working on the event. She said the new pavilion would cost around $100,000.
A recent event held at Murphy and Scarletti's last month already raised about $75,000, said Rousseau, with more than 500 people coming out to support the family. This weekend a walk/race event will hopefully raise the remaining funds.
"The support from people has been incredible," Rousseau said. "The tragedy didn't happen to a family, it happened to a community, but this is a way to focus on something positive."
About 150 people have already signed up for the walk, which will happen at Lake Compounce this Sun., June 26 from 8 - 10 a.m. There's going to be food and music after the 5K journey, with discounted admission prices offered by the theme park that day.
"It's being called a family fun day because we're encouraging people to bring their kids, babies in strollers, or there dogs and just have fun," Sharon Rousseau said.
Lisa Rossini said the family has been very grateful and touched by the support shown by the community over the last difficult year. She said she's happy to be able to bring something positive to the community through the pavilion in honor of her beloved sister.
"The outpouring of love and support has been amazing, it's been completely overwhelming," Lisa Rossini said. "It's hard to put into words."
Melanie Rossini was studying to be a teacher, and loved working with kids, said Lisa Rossini. She had many friends and was known as an outgoing people person.
"She really did touch everyone she met," Lisa Rossini said. "And she had a great sense of humor-she was one of the funniest people I've ever met."
Those looking to register for the walk should visit www.trisportmedia.com. The cost to participate is $20.
