The Churchville-Chili LEO Club held its 23rd annual March Mayhem benefit basketball game on March 7 at the Churchville-Chili Middle School gym – just before everything was shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic. This activity was held to raise funds on behalf of Fairbanks Road first-grader Ian Mech and his family.
Ian has been battling Stage III Rhabdomysocoma for almost two years and has spent much time in the hospital bravely enduring difficult treatments, invasive procedures, surgeries, tests, and rehabilitation. Ian enjoys going to school when he is able and has a lot of interests including Star Wars, Legos, jigsaw puzzles, and learning about different species of birds and other animals. Above all, Ian just enjoys being a kid.
The LEO Club is comprised of students in grades seven through 12 who perform a wide variety of community service activities. LEO Club members raised funds through donation sponsors and were supported by the Churchville Lions Club, their sponsoring organization.
Support also came from various groups from the entire school district including the unified basketball program, the boys and girls basketball programs, and the Willie Bee Foundation. A special Team Ian was comprised of Ian’s fellow students from Fairbanks Road Elementary School, along with teachers and staff.
The Senior High School Choir sang the National Anthem and Spotlight Dance Studio staged a half-time performance to enhance the event. Retired teacher and former LEO Club Advisor, Mary Pat Dewey, served as Master of Ceremonies and kept the fun going as referee.
The event was well attended and many generous contributions brought the total raised to $6,579.64, as reported by Letitia Juergens, Middle School LEO Advisor. A check was subsequently presented to the Mech family by Janelle Hernandez, Senior High LEO Advisor.
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