Registration opens for 5K run/walk supporting Lake Community Hope Scholarship Fund

The third annual 5K run/walk and fun run supporting the Lake Community Hope Scholarship Fund is scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 23, at 8 a.m.

Funds raised will support the Lake Community Hope Scholarship Fund in memory of Melissa, Renee, Amber and Evan Dunham. Beginning in 2025, a monetary scholarship has been awarded to one graduating senior from Lake High School pursuing collegiate studies or a vocational program. The Dunhams were Lake Township residents who died in August 2023.

Early bird pricing is available through June 30. Pricing ranges from $20-$45 and is based on the race length selected.

Those wishing to run, volunteer or sponsor can visit https://racepenguin.com/events/lake-community-hope-5k/. Sponsorship information is available at https://www.lakecommunityhope.org/events/become-a-sponsor.

Confirmed sponsors include Amanda Edwards, The Berthiaumes KW Chervenic, Keller Williams Realty; Bober Markey Fedorovich; The Christ Foundation; and Davis Water Treatment.

Those wishing to contribute to the scholarship fund without participating in the Aug. 23 event can do so at https://www.lakecommunityhope.org/scholarship.

Chipotle in Hartville also is hosting a fundraiser to support Lake Community Hope, with 25% of event sales donated to the cause. The fundraiser will take place Wednesday, June 10, from 4-8 p.m. at Chipotle, 1111 W. Maple St., Hartville.

Dine-in or takeout customers should show the fundraiser flyer at checkout. Those ordering online for pickup should use code 3DJB36E at chipotle.com or in the Chipotle app. Only sales using the code will be included in the fundraiser.

Melissa, Renee, Amber and Evan Dunham were active volunteers throughout the greater Akron-Canton region, with a special focus on Lake Township.

Melissa joined the Community Support Services Board of Directors in 2015 and served as chair of the finance committee and as treasurer. She was a partner at the CPA firm Bober Markey Fedorovich. Melissa graduated from Westminster College and earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Kent State University and a master’s degree in taxation from the University of Akron.

The family was active in local scout troops and led numerous volunteer projects benefiting the community.

The surviving family, through the Stark Community Foundation, established a scholarship fund to support Lake Local Schools, the district the three children attended and where Melissa was an alumna.