Ghouls of all kinds participate in annual community treat
by Dan Holland
Nearly 200 runners and walkers turned out on a sunny morning Oct. 19 to take part in the 11th annual Halloween-themed Ken Ganley Companies and Brecksville Kiwanis Trick-or-Trot 5K Run and 1-Mile Family Fun Run/Walk.
Participants were encouraged to dress in Halloween-themed costumes for the event that begins and finishes on the Blossom Hill property.
Proceeds from the event, which included a Halloween costume contest, awards to the top overall male and female 5K finishers and the top finisher in each age category, benefit A Special Wish Foundation and the Brecksville Kiwanis Youth Services. Participant finisher medals and candy and toy bags were made available to participants. Pumpkin decorating, face painting, a DJ and refreshments were also included.
According to Denise Gawlik, who served as chairperson for the Kiwanis Club of Brecksville in organizing the event for a third year in a row, the event is all about gathering the community to benefit a local charity.
“Every year, we pick a different local charity to donate money to, as this is the Kiwanis’ only fundraising event,” said Gawlik. “Most of our events are free, so we keep a small amount of the proceeds to fund our other events.”
Gawlik’s husband, Greg, ran in the 5K race, while one of her daughters handed out candy at one of the stations posted along the mile-long walking route.
“I’m a runner myself, but not today,” said Gawlik. “It’s all about getting the community together and having some fun – especially the younger kids in costume who get so excited about it – it’s such a fun community event every year.”
Top overall male finisher in the 5K race was 19-year-old Caden Buccier of Berea, with a time of 16:58. Overall top female finisher was Katy Speer of Brecksville, who had a time of 23:15.
Eileen Lane Beudert, of Brecksville, walked the 1-mile route with husband Jason, son Gus and twin daughters Marie and Judy, all dressed as The Incredibles.
“We’re very grateful to be here today,” said Eileen, who is the executive director of A Special Wish Foundation. “It’s so much fun getting the family together and getting our costumes together and coming out and seeing other Brecksville families that we know and love.”
Mark and Ann Mallis, who set up a large Halloween display every year at their Brecksville home to raise money for charity, attended with children George and Lucy. “We’ve taken part in this event before, and it’s always a really fun event,” said Mark. “I think the kids like the candy stations along the 1-mile route best of all.”
Chris and Christina Thomas and their son Bruce, along with fellow Broadview Heights residents Jamie and Molly Kish – with children Kelsey and Everett – all ran the 5K race together. “We love that it’s festive and Halloween-themed, and the kids have a great time,” said Molly Kish.
Brecksville Councilperson Ann Koepke, a member of the Kiwanis, assisted in the event while two of her daughters ran in the 5K race and a third daughter ran a drink station along the route as a Key Club volunteer.
“My daughters, Mallory and Victoria, have run in the 5K race most years, starting as far back as 2018 when they were 9 and 7,” said Koepke. “I love attending and cheering other community members on, especially the kids.”
Mayor Daryl Kingston said Kiwanis has been a longstanding partner with the city for several events, including both the Trick-orTrot and the annual Easter Egg Hunt.
“This year, the benefactor of all the charity money is A Special Wish Foundation, a Brecksville business that grants special wishes to terminally ill children,” Kingston said. “So, this year’s event is extra special. We’re definitely happy to have Kiwanis and so many other great charities in our city, and we do everything we can to support them.” ∞