DONATIONS TO BE VOTED ON AT THE FEBRUARY 22, 2026 CHAPTER MEETING
Rowland Elementary School - All Kids Bike
The Rowland Elementary School – All Kids Bike program is a powerful opportunity to make a lasting impact on our youngest learners by giving every kindergartner the chance to learn how to ride a bike during PE class.
A $2,000 contribution will help us reach our $9,000 goal to launch a 7–10 year program that includes teacher training and certification, a standards-aligned curriculum, 24 balance-to-pedal bikes with helmets, instructor equipment, storage racks, and ongoing program support—reaching thousands of children over time.
This program builds confidence, coordination, independence, and lifelong healthy habits, especially for students who may never otherwise have access to a bike.
By donating, the Browns Barkers would be directly investing in equity, wellness, and joy—helping Rowland students experience the unforgettable moment of their first independent ride and setting them up for a lifetime of active success.
Amount Requested $2,000 Requested by Sylvia Marshall
A Kid Again - Northern Ohio Chapter
A Kid Again Northern Ohio is a children’s charity based in Cleveland, Ohio. We are honored to serve families who are raising children living with life-threatening conditions across the Northern Ohio region. We do so by providing cost-free, fun-filled destination events throughout the year that we call Adventures.
Through these Adventures, families can take a break from doctor visits and hospital stays and enjoy quality time together. Enrollment is open to families with children under 20 years of age whose diagnosis is deemed life-threatening by a medical professional.
A Kid Again strives to brings hope, happiness, and healing to these children and their families.
Since 1995, through the generosity of our volunteers and donors, we’ve been creating year-round Adventures that allow these children to feel like A Kid Again.
Amount Requested $1,000 Requested by Marty Lynch
The Maureen and Lisa Memorial Fund
Established by my wife’s uncle, this fund honors the memory of his sister, Maureen (breast cancer), and his wife, Lisa (brain cancer).
Driven by a family history that includes three breast cancer survivors—my mother, mother-in-law, and aunt—the fund supports UH Seidman patients facing financial hardship, providing essential assistance with household bills, as well as food and gas gift cards.
Amount Requested $500 Requested by Greg Fleming
Helping Lisa Levine Recover
Please help us help Lisa Levine!
A week before Thanksgiving, our fellow Barker, Lisa Levine broke a bone in her lower back (the Sacrum) and has been going through some really rough times since then. She was out of work for 6 weeks, and is really struggling to get back to full time now, still suffering with a lot of pain.
Then the first week of January, she was told she needs to move out of her rental home by March!
She is by no means in any position to be able to manage packing, cleaning,moving and then unpacking, not to mention the expenses involved.
She could use as much help as any of us are able to donate at this time!
Amount Requested $1,500 Requested by Matt Byrne
12u Herd Baseball Team
Browns Barkers have always been extremely generous in their support of local youth sports teams and I hope that can continue through this fundraiser.
12 years old is an important year for baseball organizations - it's the year of the nationwide Cooperstown tournament where teams from all over the country come to Cooperstown to play baseball, share stories and comradery through sport. In total a trip to Cooperstown for 13 kids and 3 coaches is $26,455.
We are doing multiple fundraisers to offset these costs as much as possible - including a very fun Black Forest meetup late last year. Please consider helping 13 local Cleveland Heights, Lyndhurst, South Euclid, Mayfield, and Highland Heights kids reach their goal!
Amount Requested $1,000 Requested by Adam Dishong
50th Reunion Funds
Together with Mayor Georgine Welo, we are requesting funds to give grants to classmates who are not able to afford to attend the Willoughby South High School 50th Class Reunion this year.
We were surprised to find so many people who are struggling to pay for their Medicare supplement, prescription, utilities, and food.
We have classmates that have had to establish Go Fund Me accounts to pay for medical bills.
Amount Requested $2,000 Requested by Tony Pinto
Adrian Elementary School (SEL)
Mr. Thomas Coleman, Administrator for Adrian Elementary School would like to submit a request for funds to provide Cleveland Cavalier tickets and Guardian tickets to Special Education and Gifted Students similar to last year’s request.
In addition he would also like to rent a game truck and an inflatable tent so 3rd Grade students can enjoy their field day experience.
Both tickets for sports teams cost $2,000.00 a piece. ($4,000)
Game Truck and inflatable tent cost $1,000. Combined.
Amount Requested $2,000 Requested by Georgine Welo
Amy’s fight against Glioblastoma
On November 24, Amy collapsed at work and was rushed to the hospital. After hours of testing, doctors discovered a mass in her brain.
She underwent surgery to remove the mass and the results showed Glioblastoma.
She will begin an intensive treatment plan, including radiation and chemotherapy. Amy has 2 kids in high school and the funds go towards her medical bills as well as supporting her and her family during this time.
Amount Requested $750 Requested by Megan Lynch
Walk to Cure Arthritis, Megan’s Mighty Movers
I was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis at 11 years old. Today, I work with patients daily who are living with arthritis. I see firsthand how this disease affects every part of life.
Over 300,000 children and 50 million adults in the U.S. are living with arthritis.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Walk to Cure Arthritis, and my goal is to raise $5,000 to support research and families impacted by this disease.
https://events.arthritis.org/participant/Megan-Lynch
Amount Requested $1,000 Requested by Megan Lynch
PREVIOUS 2025-2026 DONATIONS
House Of Champions
The House of Champions is an after school program that provides a nurturing and safe family like environment where children in grades two through four can thrive with additional opportunities to learn life skills and gain the confidence they need to be successful.
Currently in the process of building a new house. The program is run by the Sisters of Notre Dame, the Ursuline Sisters, and the Sisters of the Most Holy Trinity.
https://www.houseofchampions.org/after-school-program/about-house-of-champions
Amount Requested $1,000 Requested by Sheila Byrne
Malachi House
Malachi House provides housing and compassionate end-of-life care to terminally ill homeless individuals at a residence on Cleveland's near west-side.
Amount Requested $1,000 Requested by Henry DeBaggis
Cleveland Kids' Book Bank
Founded in 2016, the Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank is dedicated to fostering literacy and inspiring a love of reading by getting free books into the hands of children who need them most.
* The Book Bank has built a network of over 20 community bookshelves in public spaces—ensuring that children and families have constant access to books in the neighborhoods where they live, work, and learn.
* In 2024 alone, more than 540,000 books were distributed to kids in the greater Cleveland area.
* Our donation would directly support this vital work, helping to break down barriers to literacy, empower young readers, and strengthen our community for generations to come.
Amount Requested $1,000 Requested by Jessy King
Aunt Helen Vura
In April, Sheila’s Aunt Helen had a rod removed from her upper leg in preparation for knee replacement surgery in the fall.
In May the incision became infected and it was septic, she then got MSRA and the infection rapidly went to her blood, thankfully not to her heart.
After 2 weeks in the hospital and 2 surgeries she was sent home where Sheila’s mom has been assisting her with all of her needs, luckily they live together.
Helen bartends at 2 different establishments and has been out of work for the past few months. Additionally, Sheila’s mom has been out of work bc of this. We are asking for a donation so Helen can get some relief to assist with some bills
Amount Requested $2,000 Requested by Matt Byrne
Take A Lap Foundation
The Take a Lap Foundation began with a community rallying around a family experiencing the tragic loss of the Browns Barkers Vice President Pat Rahill. It was through the service of his friends and family we were able to make it through that time.
And as we talked with people about Pat after his passing, one trait of his that frequently came up was his service of others. We realized a giant part of Pat's legacy was the service he did for others.
So, as this organization strives to continue his legacy. Service is one of our founding principals. Just as Pat did for others, and others did for us when we lost him, we strive to support our community members in need by showing up and being of service.
Alongside our understanding of the importance community action, we also acknowledge the significance of financial assistance in times of crisis. During Pat's illness and passing, we benefited greatly from steady incomes, access to good healthcare, and others financial gifts after his passing. Unfortunately, this is not always the case for our community members during difficult times.
So, as an organization it is our goal to assist individuals and families within our community experiencing a sudden crisis with small monetary donations, as well as other non profit organizations who do excellent work caring for our community members in need.
Amount Requested $2,000 Requested by Tony Dipaolo
Her ALS Story
Her ALS is a group of women who were diagnosed with ALS known as Lou Gerigs disease before the age of 35.
For most of them an ALS diagnosis means giving up careers, the lives we thought we would be living, the dreams we had of our futures. Our new reality is consumed by fighting a battle against a relentless, terminal illness. Our mission at Her ALS Story is to raise awareness and foster a community where women can educate and support one another to live their best lives. In the darkest moments of life with this disease, we have found light in the support from one another.
Each year, we organize a four day event to bring together members from all over the country and this year we're heading to Compassionate Care ALS's facility on Cape Cod. This is no small feat, given the enormous obstacles in traveling with this disease. Many of us require full-time caregivers, feeding tubes, assistive devices for breathing and other equipment. But this gives us the chance to meet friends with ALS in person - often for the first time.
Looking for $2,000 to help these women with costs of getting to this retreat.
Amount Requested $2,000 Requested by Kris Jeswald
in honor of Alyssa Lee Jeswald
South Euclid FOP LODGE #80
Throughout the year the South Euclid FOP help to assist families in need. Sponsor youth events, donate scholarships, holiday dinners.
Amount Requested $200 Requested by Scott Rendlesham
Greater Cleveland Fisher House
The national Fisher House program is a “home away from home” for families of veteran and active-duty patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. There are 100 Fisher Houses around the country and overseas.
The two Cleveland VA Fisher Houses opened in June 2019 and provide free temporary lodging so veteran families who live 50 miles or more from the Louis Stokes VA Medical Center can be close to their loved one during their medical treatment.
In partnership with VA staff, the Greater Cleveland Fisher House foundation provides any additional resources these families need during a challenging time in their lives. We are able to do this thanks to our generous donors as well as through fundraisers and participating in events that directly benefit this organization and its mission.
Amount Requested $1,500 Requested by Marty Lynch
Bonnie’s bRACEr for the Cure Manhattan Stand
Browns Barker members Danny and Dennis Kane, and family, host an annual fundraiser for their neighbor and lifelong family friend Bonnie, who lost her courageous battle with ovarian cancer.
For one day, they transform their yard into a Manhattan Stand where people can travel on Brainard Rd between Mayfield and Ridgebury, enjoy a cocktail and pledge a donation in her honor.
All proceeds go to the Seidman Cancer Center at UH for Ovarian Cancer.
Amount Requested $1,000 Requested by Matt Byrne
DONATIONS TO BE VOTED ON AT THE FEBRUARY 22, 2026 CHAPTER MEETING
Rowland Elementary School - All Kids Bike
The Rowland Elementary School – All Kids Bike program is a powerful opportunity to make a lasting impact on our youngest learners by giving every kindergartner the chance to learn how to ride a bike during PE class.
A $2,000 contribution will help us reach our $9,000 goal to launch a 7–10 year program that includes teacher training and certification, a standards-aligned curriculum, 24 balance-to-pedal bikes with helmets, instructor equipment, storage racks, and ongoing program support—reaching thousands of children over time.
This program builds confidence, coordination, independence, and lifelong healthy habits, especially for students who may never otherwise have access to a bike.
By donating, the Browns Barkers would be directly investing in equity, wellness, and joy—helping Rowland students experience the unforgettable moment of their first independent ride and setting them up for a lifetime of active success.
Amount Requested $2,000 Requested by Sylvia Marshall
A Kid Again - Northern Ohio Chapter
A Kid Again Northern Ohio is a children’s charity based in Cleveland, Ohio. We are honored to serve families who are raising children living with life-threatening conditions across the Northern Ohio region. We do so by providing cost-free, fun-filled destination events throughout the year that we call Adventures.
Through these Adventures, families can take a break from doctor visits and hospital stays and enjoy quality time together. Enrollment is open to families with children under 20 years of age whose diagnosis is deemed life-threatening by a medical professional.
A Kid Again strives to brings hope, happiness, and healing to these children and their families.
Since 1995, through the generosity of our volunteers and donors, we’ve been creating year-round Adventures that allow these children to feel like A Kid Again.
Amount Requested $1,000 Requested by Marty Lynch
The Maureen and Lisa Memorial Fund
Established by my wife’s uncle, this fund honors the memory of his sister, Maureen (breast cancer), and his wife, Lisa (brain cancer).
Driven by a family history that includes three breast cancer survivors—my mother, mother-in-law, and aunt—the fund supports UH Seidman patients facing financial hardship, providing essential assistance with household bills, as well as food and gas gift cards.
Amount Requested $500 Requested by Greg Fleming
Helping Lisa Levine Recover
Please help us help Lisa Levine!
A week before Thanksgiving, our fellow Barker, Lisa Levine broke a bone in her lower back (the Sacrum) and has been going through some really rough times since then. She was out of work for 6 weeks, and is really struggling to get back to full time now, still suffering with a lot of pain.
Then the first week of January, she was told she needs to move out of her rental home by March!
She is by no means in any position to be able to manage packing, cleaning,moving and then unpacking, not to mention the expenses involved.
She could use as much help as any of us are able to donate at this time!
Amount Requested $2,000 Requested by Matt Byrne
50th Reunion Funds
Together with Mayor Georgine Welo, we are requesting funds to give grants to classmates who are not able to afford to attend the Willoughby South High School 50th Class Reunion this year.
We were surprised to find so many people who are struggling to pay for their Medicare supplement, prescription, utilities, and food.
We have classmates that have had to establish Go Fund Me accounts to pay for medical bills.
Amount Requested $2,000 Requested by Tony Pinto
12u Herd Baseball Team
Browns Barkers have always been extremely generous in their support of local youth sports teams and I hope that can continue through this fundraiser.
12 years old is an important year for baseball organizations - it's the year of the nationwide Cooperstown tournament where teams from all over the country come to Cooperstown to play baseball, share stories and comradery through sport. In total a trip to Cooperstown for 13 kids and 3 coaches is $26,455.
We are doing multiple fundraisers to offset these costs as much as possible - including a very fun Black Forest meetup late last year. Please consider helping 13 local Cleveland Heights, Lyndhurst, South Euclid, Mayfield, and Highland Heights kids reach their goal!
Amount Requested $1,000 Requested by Adam Dishong
12u Herd Baseball Team
Adrian Elementary School (SEL)
Mr. Thomas Coleman, Administrator for Adrian Elementary School would like to submit a request for funds to provide Cleveland Cavalier tickets and Guardian tickets to Special Education and Gifted Students similar to last year’s request.
In addition he would also like to rent a game truck and an inflatable tent so 3rd Grade students can enjoy their field day experience.
Both tickets for sports teams cost $2,000.00 a piece. ($4,000)
Game Truck and inflatable tent cost $1,000. Combined.
Amount Requested $5,000 Requested by Georgine Welo
Amy’s fight against Glioblastoma
On November 24, Amy collapsed at work and was rushed to the hospital. After hours of testing, doctors discovered a mass in her brain.
She underwent surgery to remove the mass and the results showed Glioblastoma.
She will begin an intensive treatment plan, including radiation and chemotherapy. Amy has 2 kids in high school and the funds go towards her medical bills as well as supporting her and her family during this time.
Amount Requested $750 Requested by Megan Lynch
Walk to Cure Arthritis, Megan’s Mighty Movers
I was diagnosed with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis at 11 years old. Today, I work with patients daily who are living with arthritis. I see firsthand how this disease affects every part of life.
Over 300,000 children and 50 million adults in the U.S. are living with arthritis.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Walk to Cure Arthritis, and my goal is to raise $5,000 to support research and families impacted by this disease.
https://events.arthritis.org/participant/Megan-Lynch
Amount Requested $1,000 Requested by Megan Lynch
PREVIOUS 2025-2026 DONATIONS
House Of Champions
The House of Champions is an after school program that provides a nurturing and safe family like environment where children in grades two through four can thrive with additional opportunities to learn life skills and gain the confidence they need to be successful.
Currently in the process of building a new house. The program is run by the Sisters of Notre Dame, the Ursuline Sisters, and the Sisters of the Most Holy Trinity.
https://www.houseofchampions.org/after-school-program/about-house-of-champions
Amount Requested $1,000 Requested by Sheila Byrne
Malachi House
Malachi House provides housing and compassionate end-of-life care to terminally ill homeless individuals at a residence on Cleveland's near west-side.
Amount Requested $1,000 Requested by Henry DeBaggis
Cleveland Kids' Book Bank
Founded in 2016, the Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank is dedicated to fostering literacy and inspiring a love of reading by getting free books into the hands of children who need them most.
* The Book Bank has built a network of over 20 community bookshelves in public spaces—ensuring that children and families have constant access to books in the neighborhoods where they live, work, and learn.
* In 2024 alone, more than 540,000 books were distributed to kids in the greater Cleveland area.
* Our donation would directly support this vital work, helping to break down barriers to literacy, empower young readers, and strengthen our community for generations to come.
Amount Requested $1,000 Requested by Jessy King
Aunt Helen Vura
In April, Sheila’s Aunt Helen had a rod removed from her upper leg in preparation for knee replacement surgery in the fall.
In May the incision became infected and it was septic, she then got MSRA and the infection rapidly went to her blood, thankfully not to her heart.
After 2 weeks in the hospital and 2 surgeries she was sent home where Sheila’s mom has been assisting her with all of her needs, luckily they live together.
Helen bartends at 2 different establishments and has been out of work for the past few months. Additionally, Sheila’s mom has been out of work bc of this. We are asking for a donation so Helen can get some relief to assist with some bills
Amount Requested $2,000 Requested by Matt Byrne
Take A Lap Foundation
The Take a Lap Foundation began with a community rallying around a family experiencing the tragic loss of the Browns Barkers Vice President Pat Rahill. It was through the service of his friends and family we were able to make it through that time.
And as we talked with people about Pat after his passing, one trait of his that frequently came up was his service of others. We realized a giant part of Pat's legacy was the service he did for others.
So, as this organization strives to continue his legacy. Service is one of our founding principals. Just as Pat did for others, and others did for us when we lost him, we strive to support our community members in need by showing up and being of service.
Alongside our understanding of the importance community action, we also acknowledge the significance of financial assistance in times of crisis. During Pat's illness and passing, we benefited greatly from steady incomes, access to good healthcare, and others financial gifts after his passing. Unfortunately, this is not always the case for our community members during difficult times.
So, as an organization it is our goal to assist individuals and families within our community experiencing a sudden crisis with small monetary donations, as well as other non profit organizations who do excellent work caring for our community members in need.
Amount Requested $2,000 Requested by Tony Dipaolo
Her ALS Story
Her ALS is a group of women who were diagnosed with ALS known as Lou Gerigs disease before the age of 35.
For most of them an ALS diagnosis means giving up careers, the lives we thought we would be living, the dreams we had of our futures. Our new reality is consumed by fighting a battle against a relentless, terminal illness. Our mission at Her ALS Story is to raise awareness and foster a community where women can educate and support one another to live their best lives. In the darkest moments of life with this disease, we have found light in the support from one another.
Each year, we organize a four day event to bring together members from all over the country and this year we're heading to Compassionate Care ALS's facility on Cape Cod. This is no small feat, given the enormous obstacles in traveling with this disease. Many of us require full-time caregivers, feeding tubes, assistive devices for breathing and other equipment. But this gives us the chance to meet friends with ALS in person - often for the first time.
Looking for $2,000 to help these women with costs of getting to this retreat.
Amount Requested $2,000 Requested by Kris Jeswald
in honor of Alyssa Lee Jeswald
South Euclid FOP LODGE #80
Throughout the year the South Euclid FOP help to assist families in need. Sponsor youth events, donate scholarships, holiday dinners.
Amount Requested $200 Requested by Scott Rendlesham
Greater Cleveland Fisher House
The national Fisher House program is a “home away from home” for families of veteran and active-duty patients receiving medical care at major military and VA medical centers. There are 100 Fisher Houses around the country and overseas.
The two Cleveland VA Fisher Houses opened in June 2019 and provide free temporary lodging so veteran families who live 50 miles or more from the Louis Stokes VA Medical Center can be close to their loved one during their medical treatment.
In partnership with VA staff, the Greater Cleveland Fisher House foundation provides any additional resources these families need during a challenging time in their lives. We are able to do this thanks to our generous donors as well as through fundraisers and participating in events that directly benefit this organization and its mission.
Amount Requested $1,500 Requested by Marty Lynch
Bonnie’s bRACEr for the Cure Manhattan Stand
Browns Barker members Danny and Dennis Kane, and family, host an annual fundraiser for their neighbor and lifelong family friend Bonnie, who lost her courageous battle with ovarian cancer.
For one day, they transform their yard into a Manhattan Stand where people can travel on Brainard Rd between Mayfield and Ridgebury, enjoy a cocktail and pledge a donation in her honor.
All proceeds go to the Seidman Cancer Center at UH for Ovarian Cancer.
Amount Requested $1,000 Requested by Matt Byrne