Generous
Gesture

Event inspired by Salem football player to aid Haiti relief effort

BY ED WRIGHT
Feb. 10, 2010, 2 p.m.

  On Thursday, you'll have an opportunity to indulge in some of the world's best ice cream while helping bring relief to the children of earthquake-ravaged Haiti.

  Carvel Ice Cream's Canton location at 41990 Ford Rd. will be holding a Haiti relief event from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.  Thursday.

  From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., 100 percent of the business's  sales will go to the International Rescue Committee, an organization dedicated to providing long-term support to traumatized children and youth.

  Fifty percent of sales registered during the remainder of the day will be donated to the IRC.

  The catalyst for the event is Salem senior Michael Grodus, according to Carvel owner Gary Krone. Salem senior Kristi Brooks has also played a big role in helping coordinate the fundraiser.

  "After watching the news reports from Haiti, I decided I wanted to try and help out in some way," said Grodus, a two-year varsity football player. "I picked Carvel because I knew Gary was a good guy who would probably be willing to do something like this.

  "We've put up posters  at the Park and we're going to try and get it on the announcements Thursday at school."

  Krone, an active member of the Canton community during his four-and-a-half years with Carvel, has become involved in a number of fundraising events, including Relay For Life.

  "When the devastation and suffering in Haiti, especially among the children, became known, I think we all felt  a  need to help," said Krone. "These students have come up with a great idea, and I hope any and all who can will turn out to enjoy a delicious ice cream treat while supporting such an important cause."