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YOUR HOMETOWN NEWSPAPER • www.CommunityPress.us Volume 35
APRIL 2020
Apalachin Woman Raises Funds in Mother’s Memory
In the time before coronavirus, when a loved one passed away we found comfort by gathering with family and friends at wakes, funerals, and memorial services. But now, all that has changed. Not only can we not gather together, but many are denied being with their loved ones at their last moment. One Apalachin woman experienced this but was “determined to do something positive from this situation.” Sally Yablonsky’s 93-year-old mother Rita Harrington (pictured above) passed away March 24, 2020, in Lourdes Hospital from the COVID-19 virus. Sally could not be with her mother in the hospital, could not be with her when she passed, could not hold a wake, or memorial service, or a funeral. Because she had been in close contact with her mother - who tested positive for the virus Sally had to remain in quarantine for two weeks. “It’s surreal,” said Sally, “It’s hard enough to lose someone under normal circumstances. It (the virus) took her out within 24 hours.” After her mother passed, Sally received a call from Lourdes Hospital from a woman who was crying. “She called to tell me that she sat with my mother when she passed,” explained Sally. “She just went to sleep and died very peacefully.” Sally found comfort in knowing that her mother had the best of care, a private room, and passed with dignity. But Sally wanted to do something to honor her mother. “The morning that she died, someone sent us plant, and I appreciated this,” recalled Sally, “We can’t have a funeral and it dawned on me if people would give donations.” Sally set up a GoFundMe® page to raise money for local emergency and medical personnel and to help local businesses. The GoFundMe® page is called “Hugs for RAH RAH RAH” (“RAH” are her mother’s initials) and its purpose is explained on the page: “Help us
spread HUGS for RAH RAH RAH! As you know, we lost our beloved (mom, grandma, aunt, friend), Ruth, to Covid19 on March 24, 2020. In lieu of flowers or meals, we would like to take collections/ donations to pay it back to those most affected by this global pandemic. Sally will disperse donations to Vestal EMS, Lourdes Hospital, and other local small businesses impacted by this disaster.” Sally donates the money to local businesses to provide food for first responders and medical personnel, to say “thank you” for what they are doing. This way, both the local businesses and the first responders benefit. “Everybody is so thankful for the food,” said Sally. Some businesses match the donation. “I called the Terrace Tavern (in Apalachin) and donated $200,” said Sally, “and they matched with $200 to help feed the Apalachin Emergency Squad and firefighters.” “We started with a goal of $500, then $1000, to help local buinesses and feed front line warriors,” explained Sally. “And I was really hoping to get $1,000 or $2,000.” Sally said the response has been wonderful. She is getting 10 times more than she expected. The GoFundMe® page has raised more than $11,000 since it was created on March 25. “I’ve given $5,000 back to community,” said Sally, “and I feel real good about that.” Sally wants to remind people that they can say “thank you” on their own, they do not need to use a fundraiser. “If you go to the grocery store - tell them how much you appreciate them,” suggested Sally. “Buy a gift card from a local business and give it to your cashier. People can call a restaurant and tell them they want dinners for a squad. People can do this on their own.” Find Sally’s fundraiser page at https:// www.gofundme.com/f/hugs-for-rah-rahrah. The page lists organizations and establishments that have received or been notified of donations from Hugs for Rah Rah Rah.
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Happy Easter from the Apalachin Lions See you at next year’s Easter Egg Hunt Photos from 2010 Lion’s Easter Egg Hunt