The March Mayhem benefit basketball game sponsored by the Churchville-Chili LEO Club was played on March 19, as the pandemic restrictions were finally lifted. The activity was planned to benefit the family of Eliana Burtner, a spunky nine-year-old who was born with Spina Bifida. The LEO Club was joined by the school Unified team as well as classmates and staff from Churchville Elementary School. Varsity and JV players from the girls school program also added to the fun and excitement.
Retired teacher Mary Pat Dewey, former advisor to the LEO Club and coach for the Unified team, acted as referee to officiate the mayhem. A special guest was Ryan Chalmers, himself born with Spina Bifida, who went on to become an Olympic Paralympian. Ryan now coaches the Rochester Rookies, a wheelchair sports team which includes Eliana. Mrs. New York America, Diana Meyer, was also on hand and posed for photos with Eliana and the Burtner family.
When the mayhem subsided, a total amount of $4,710 was raised and donated to the Burtner family who is looking to buy a newer wheelchair accessible van for their transportation.
The LEO Club is now in its 25th year at Churchville and doing a wide variety of community service activities. The club is sponsored by the Churchville Lions Club and Janelle Hernandez is the Club Advisor.
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