In your face

By STACY MILLBERG - Staff Writer - smillberg@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon

March 16, 2008 08:58 pm

— ASHTABULA TOWNSHIP — Various community icons took a cake in the face Saturday to raise money for Hospice of the Western Reserve.
Folks lined up to toss miniature cakes at local radio personalities and law enforcement officials among other local celebrities. The annual cake toss and cake auction was sponsored by the Ashtabula County Board of Realtors.
This is the 15th year for the event, which was started by Andy Leiberman, a Realtor who died from cancer, said Dee Cleavenger, of Chicago Title. The first year the event was held, the group raised only $300 and it has grown substantially since then.
This year’s proceeds surpassed last year breaking the record. In fact, proceeds from the cake toss alone were well above last year’s total proceeds, Cleavenger said.
The group raised $18,700 for Hospice, climbing way above last year’s total of $12, 242. The money raised stays in Ashtabula County to benefit local Hospice patients and their families, said Sue Druschel, Hospice volunteer coordinator.
Cleavenger attributes the event’s success to the Rev. Bill McMinn of Eagleville Bible Church.
“Before he was involved, we were only raising about $4,000,” she said.
Hospice provides palliative end-of-life care, caregiver support and bereavement services. Druschel said funds are used for a multitude of things including patient care and bereavement.
“It’s just a wonderful fundraiser for the community,” she said.
The cake toss and cake auction is Hospice’s largest fundraiser within Ashtabula County.
“We really believe this is a sign of hope for our community,” said Mary Pepperney, of Hospice. “When people believe in something they come together to make it happen.”

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