Avon Proves It's Strong for Boston

Students, community members and city workers came out May 10 to show their support for Boston--and especially those injured in the Boston Marathon bombings April 15.

The event featured speakers, luminaries and green T-shirts everywhere as well as an Avon Fire Department truck displaying a large American flag. 

“It went well,” Avon High School teacher Collin Henderson, who organized the event with Mike Cooper, said. “We were very happy with the turnout.”

A rainy Friday night might have affected the turnout for the event, which was originally scheduled for the Avon Middle School stadium. Inclement weather caused a change of venue to the middle school gym.

“It was our first rodeo,” Henderson said. “If we had to do it over, I wish we had a contingency plan from the beginning for the weather.”

Henderson, an Avon history teacher was most impressed with the turnout of high school students who created a sea of green donning T-shirts that said, “No more hurting people” and “peace” on the back.

“Considering that, how incredible is the students’ turnout? We had an army of students turnout. They didn’t need much guidance from us. They saw where and what needed to be done.”

First hand witnesses to the bombings

Also at the rally were Manuel Rodriguez of Lorain and Athena Scrofano of Amherst.

Scrofano was a registered runner in the marathon and was joined halfway through by “bandit” runner Rodriguez, who wanted to cheer on his friend.

Scrofano finished the race in 4:06:35. Minutes later the first bomb went off.

Scrofano said they both crossed the finish line and turned around at the finish line to wait for a third friend who was a few minutes behind.

“As we turned around we saw the first bomb go off,” Scrofano said.

After the second bomb, Scrofano and Rodriguez immediately headed toward the bomb sites looking for her boyfriend and Rodriguez’s wife.

Both passed Jeff Baumann, who had both his legs blown off and a woman, who was also missing her legs.

“Being there…this really hits home,”Scrofano, who wore her 2013 Boston Marathon jersey said. “It great to see people caring about other people. I’m glad we finished and we’re ok.

“Life is precious and this second chance makes it that much better.”

Unfinished business

Although the event is over, Cooper and Henderson still want to continue raising funds.

“Mike and I we still want to raise more money, still selling T-shirts  or accepting donations,” Henderson said.

A fund set up through Chase Bank, under “Avon Cares” will remain active. Henderson said the name was specifically selected to not just be for the Boston Marathon.

“We want to use that in the future,” he said.

He cited several times in the past that Avon residents, including a student who became paralyzed and a terminally ill child, who had benefits.

“We’d like to be able to help when something like this occurs in the community;Mike really loves the community,” he said.

Henderson expressed thanks to Cooper, students, the city, school district, police and fire departments and the community at large.

“What I’m really impressed with is this level of action has shown students how important it is to be involved and when we pair up together,” he said.

T-shirts can be ordered by contacting Henderson at avonhenderson@gmail.com.