The news shocked the community. Police say Kiki Lorann, a school volunteer, stole nearly $100,000 from the Perrysburg Elementary Parents' Association, or PEPA, the Toth Parents' Club, and a traveling sports team.
"My heart was broken for the moms that work so hard to raise this money," Emily Hayes said, a Perrysburg parent and event coordinator.
Hayes is parent volunteer who has spearheaded an effort to get that money back.
"It's a one mile walk or run to benefit PEPA and Toth Parents' Club to recoup some of the money that they lost this year," Hayes said.
It's called "Going the Extra Mile for Perrysburg Students." Hayes hopes the fundraiser will rake in $15 to $20 thousand dollars for hands on enrichment programs like bringing the Art Museum in the classroom and Eco Discovery.
"It certainly will impact the quality of education because these programs, these groups, and these parents bring the extras that we just can't afford to do at this time," Tom Hosler said, Superintendent of Perrysburg Schools.
The allegations forced the district to look into new safeguards for the organizations. Hosler says he doesn't want to make it too difficult for parents to volunteer, but it's crucial that donors feel their money is safe. Hosler says he understands that some people may be hesitant to donate, but argues, "now is the time when we need parents to step up. Now is the time we need the community to come together because we need them more than ever."
"Going the Extra Mile"
- Race registration fee is $10 a person for both walkers and runners.
- Race starts at 8 a.m. August 25th at Elm St. and Fifth St in Perrysburg.
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WTVG. All Rights Reserved.
