Cleveland Area Education & Awareness Fundraising Event

Paul Farrell, CSF’s Chairman

In helping CSF achieve its goals of funding research and educating and supporting families affected by Chiari malformation, syringomyelia and related CSF disorders, Cathy & Jim Poznik, of Twinsburg, Ohio helped to host the second community event for CSF at the Hilton Garden Inn on December 5, 2007. The first community event for CSF was held on November 12, 2007 in Denver, Colorodo.

Dr. Ed Benzel, Cleveland Clinic

This is the third event the Poznik’s have helped host in the Cleveland area to raise money for Chiari and syringomyelia (CM/SM), but the first for CSF.  In the past, they’ve helped to raise over $26,000 for the CM/SM cause from these events.

There were 160 people in attendance and almost $13,000 was raised with over $12,000 in future pledges.

Mayor Kathi Procop at candle lighting ceremony

Sponsors for this event included Key Bank, Porter Wright Morris & Arthur, Dr. Randy March, Mary Sabo and Robert McClain with New York Life, and A. Ripepi & Sons Funeral Home. In addition, there was support from the Hilton Garden Inn, Dodge Intermediate School, Twinsburg AC Soccer, Twinsburg Band Boosters, and Twinsburg UPS Store. Twinsburg Mayor Kathi Procop helped with the candle lighting ceremony, Dr. Ed Benzel from the Cleveland Clinic spoke about CM/SM Education & Awareness and Calvin Poznik, age 13, gave the testimonial.  Dorothy Poppe, CSF’s Executive Director and Paul Farrell, Chairman of CSF’s Board were also in attendance.

Students in 6th grade from Dodge Intermediate School presenting their donation to CSF

We welcomed back many familiar faces and we were happy to see Jake Nees and Matthew Andrews, both 6th graders at Dodge Intermediate School, back for their third event.  Both boys donated $100 of their own money. They both have used allowance money and Matt even made a withdrawal from his savings account. This is the third year that Jake Nees made a $100 contribution out of his own money and in years past he even put up lemonade stands to help make his donation. 

Boots Matelski with her daughter, Brenda Perevosnik

We look forward to the next Cleveland area event and to continue helping CSF achieve its mission to fund superior clinical and scientific research through a dedicated research endowment while educating and supporting families affected by Chiari malformation, syringomyelia, and related CSF (Cerebrospinal Spinal Fluid) disorders.