Fundraiser at Main Street Festival a Success for Kids in El Salvador

, who now lives in North Canton, was born and raised in El Salvador. Maria and her daughter Alexandra know firsthand the problems young children in medical crisis face in El Salvador. Maria and Alexandra have been raising money to take medical equipment and supplies back to El Salvador for those children.

The latest event to help raise money was this past Saturday at the Main Street Festival. A youth group, LifeTeen, from on Main Street held a volleyball-athon fundraiser. About 22 teams played volleyball for 12 hours. Between the sponsors donating for the volleyball and walking up and down the street during the Main Street Festival, the group raised $600. The event was originally planned to have the teams play a full 24 hours but had to be modified because of rainstorms.

The event started at noon Saturday and by 5 p.m. the teams had raised enough money to buy 21 bottles of much-needed vitamins for kids receiving treatment in the only children’s hospital in El Salvador.

“We probably would have had more teams if school wasn’t scheduled to start this week,” said Michele Blate, LifeTeen coordinator. “As it was, we had at least one senior in high school studying for AP classes that already had homework to complete before school started. He did his homework between playing.”

Blate said there were teams there from North Canton, Jackson Township and Lake.

“The kids really enjoyed playing and enjoyed raising money for Maria’s cause.”

Anaya also was pleased with the turnout and the amount of money raised.

“The event was great! I am very pleased because the kids seemed happy to be participating,” she said. “The kids and others in the community were very generous.”