Rain Can't Wash out Medina Creative Housing Fundraiser

MEDINA — A little rain wasn’t enough to stop the Independence Walk and Poker Run, an annual fundraiser for Medina Creative Housing, on Saturday.

The rain merely made conditions more challenging for participants in the walk and bikers during the poker run.

“That’s what we do here — we overcome challenges,” Diane DePasquale-Hagerty, CEO of Medina Creative Housing, announced to the crowd immediately before the walk stepped off at about 3:30 p.m.

Medina Creative Housing, established 30 years ago, provides housing, services and support for those with disabilities so they can live as independently as possible.

The Independence Walk was started by two physically disabled women who lived in a Medina Creative Housing residence.

“The event is important because it celebrates and honors the people who fought for our independence and recognizes individuals who are struggling each day for their independence,” DePasquale-Hagerty said.

The last walk-poker run was in 2019. It had been postponed since then due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It was really special to bring it back,” DePasquale said. “Our residents have asked for it.”

The poker run launched at 9 a.m. Bikers paid $25 to participate, and for a couple the fee was $45. The money goes to the Resident Enrichment Program, which offers education, social activities and recreation for Medina Creative Housing residents.

Funds for the enrichment program were also provided by walk-poker run sponsors and through raffles at the event.

Bikers rode to Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Rittman; the now-closed Apple Creek Development Center for handicapped people in East Union Township; and Geno’s Bar & Grill, Medina Eagles Aerie 2224 and Stinger Harley-Davidson in Medina.

At each stop, bikers drew a poker card. The one with the best hand won a prize. At 3 p.m., bikers assembled at the Medina Creative Housing site on North Huntington Street and enjoyed grilled burgers, pizza and games while Patrick the DJ – Patrick Olah, a Creative Housing resident – played tunes.

“The rain wasn’t too bad,” said biker Bryan Hajek of Medina. “It sprinkled a little on the next-to-last run. It slowed us down a little but then we suited up and kept going.”

Hajek said he supports as many worthy causes as he can.

“This is an excellent cause,” Hajek said of Medina Creative Housing. “They do a lot of good work here.”

Tim and Judy Doyle and their son Jack Doyle, 24, of Medina all took part in the poker run. Tim rode his motorcycle while Judy and Jack drove a Mazda MX-5 Miata convertible.

“Jack was Facebooking live the whole time,” Judy Doyle said.

Jack, who was born with a genetic disorder called CFC syndrome, doesn’t live in a Medina Creative Housing home but supports the organization. He works at the Grand Café and Roastery, a Medina Creative Housing paid work program for those with disabilities, off Pearl Road south of Fenn Road.

“He will stay with us but it’s nice to know that options are available,” Judy Doyle said.

Because of the weather, DePasquale-Hagerty wasn’t sure whether the Independence Walk would proceed. Then the skies cleared. The walk started about a half-hour behind schedule.

Medina Creative Housing supporters walked about a half mile from North Huntington to the Grand Café, where they indulged in a little ice cream. Then they strolled back to North Huntington.

Tom Espenschied of Hinkley rode in the poker run and participated in the walk later. He said he and his family support a handful of charitable programs and events.

“This one just spoke to me,” Espenschied said.

Contact Bob Sandrick at areanews@medina-gazette.com.