Miles For Heils benefit run/walk set for Saturday

Photo by Mike Wertman – Getting set for this coming Saturday’s “Miles for Heils” benefit run/walk are, seated Holly, Austin and Daniel Heil. In back are Medina High Art teacher Eric Valley, Austin Brown, Alex Markle and Art teacher Jennifer Scott.

Coming just five days before Christmas it will be a most fitting and appropriate community gift for a Medina family of eight that is striving to overcome the recent loss of their husband and father.

The “Miles For Heils” run/walk will be held this coming Saturday to benefit the family of the late Dennis Heil, who passed away on December 2. He is survived by his wife, Frances and seven children Alexander, Zachary, Austin, Holly, Daniel, Hannah and Hunter.

“It’s really nice they are doing this,” Holly Heil said. “Our whole family are runners so this is perfect for us and our friends will be there.”

“It’s been overwhelming. It is really great that they’re doing this for us,” Frances Heil said. “The kids are excited about it. It’s really been great with everybody coming out to support the kids like this.”

The event will begin at the Sacred Heart Club on North Gravel Road with registration starting at 9 a.m. and the run/walk getting underway at 10 a.m. Weather permitting, the run will follow the canal towpath to Marshall Road and back. If not the course will be through the village. There is no set registration fee but donations will be accepted.

“We had a lot of people interested in helping the family and the “Miles For Heils” is really a culmination of ideas,” said Medina High Art teacher Eric Valley. “The Heils are very involved in cross-country and track so this seemed the logical thing to do. There is no set registration fee but all donations are welcome and greatly appreciated. All proceeds will go directly to the Heil family.”

Valley added that several dates were discussed for the event before this Saturday was settled on. “Saturday is Austin’s birthday and he wanted to have it on his birthday.”

“It’s an outstanding and heartwarming effort,” Medina High Principal Mark Kruzynski said. “It shows what kind of kids we have pulling together to help a family in time of need. This community really pulls together.”

For more information or to help out with the event contact Valley (585-729-7204) or Jennifer Scott (716-772-7428).