Fort Wayne Derby Girls raise $900 in memory of Aliahna Lemmon
(February 6, 2012) The Fort Wayne Derby Girls raised $900 in memory of Aliahna Lemmon at a charity bout held on Sunday, January 8 at Bell’s Skating Rink. Over 300 people attended the charity bout and make it a success. There will be two benefactors from the donations raised: $400 will be donated to The Aliahna Lemmon Benefit fund and $500 will also be given to Erin’s House for Grieving Children in Aliahna’s name.
“We felt it was important to give back after such a senseless tragedy. The Benefit Fund was set up to help with funeral costs, counseling, and anything else that will help the family grieve properly and be able to move forward. It is no secret that the average funeral cost is rising, and some families simply have no choice but to turn to fundraising groups in order to pay for these expenses. There are some cases where family members have preplanned their funerals using funeral plans uk and other planning services like it which does relieve some of the pressure of mourning a loved one. Even when the cost of the funeral is sorted, Erin’s House provides free grief support to families, focusing on children and teens that have lost a loved one. We thought it would be the perfect way to honor Aliahna by making a donation to a wonderful organization in her memory,” says Shannon Dispennett aka Last Call, FWDG President.
About Fort Wayne Derby Girls Inc.
Fort Wayne is at the pinnacle of Indiana’s roller derby resurgence. Since May 2006, the Fort Wayne Derby Girls, a non-profit, volunteer-run organization, has raised over $70,000 for local women’s and children’s charities. Charities benefiting from its efforts include: Cancer Services of Northeast Indiana, Camp Watch Wanna Do, A Day Away, SCAN, Erin’s House, Charis House, Sexual Assault Treatment Center, Hoosier Burn Camp, Great Lakes Burn Camp, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Habitat for Humanity- Women Build, Easter Seals ARC, Turnstone Center for Disabled Children, Victim’s Assistance Program, Make A Wish Foundation, Ft Wayne Women’s Bureau and Crossroad Children’s Home. The charity based sports league competes both locally and nationally.
About Aliahna Lemmon Benefit Fund
Nine-year-old Aliahna Lemmon was killed in Fort Wayne in December 2011. This fund was set up to assist the family with funeral costs, be they from a cremation service or other means, and counseling. Those interested in making a donation through Salin Bank, may send checks to Salin Bank, 601 E. Dupont Road, Fort Wayne, IN 46825. Please make checks payable to Aliahna Lemmon Benefit Fund.
Erin’s House for Grieving Children
Erin’s House provides support services for children, teens and their families, who have suffered the death of a loved one. The cost-free programs provided by Erin’s House help to reach those children/families in need of grief support. Since opening in October 1993, Erin’s House has served more than 10,000 individuals. Erin’s House now serves an average of 1,000 individuals each year.