West Leechburg fundraiser canceled over coronavirus still raises $28K

An annual event that raises money for causes in the Pittsburgh region will not be happening this year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Ian Coyle said the safety of the attendees was paramount in his decision to cancel the fifth annual “Small Town, Loud Voice” fundraiser in West Leechburg, which each year features a Shamrock Shuffle 5K race and a St. Patrick’s Day dance.

“I believe we have a social responsibility and a sensitivity to attendees, and also our guests of honor,” said Coyle, founder and president of the nonprofit Semper Gratus. “Our guests of honor are all immunocompromised in some form or fashion. We want to be mindful of those in attendance.”

The nonprofit partners with a different foundation to support a new cause each year. In the past, Coyle has raised money for research in cystic fibrosis, cerebral palsy and leukemia and lymphoma. This year’s benefactor was the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Originally set for March 21, the event was pushed back to July 25 because of the pandemic. Eventually, the decision was made to cancel it.

Coyle said it would have been difficult to adhere to proper health, safety and social distancing guidelines.

“It just became a logistical nightmare,” Coyle said.

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society will still benefit despite the cancellation.

According to Coyle, Semper Gratus managed to raise roughly $28,000 pre-event for the society, nearly eclipsing the $30,000 raised last year.

The money raised came from corporate and private donors and people who donated the cost of their tickets. Donations are still being accepted via the organization’s website.

“I had this goal of reaching $50,000 in my fifth year. Knowing that that’s where we were two weeks out from the event made me believe that that was achievable,” Coyle said. “I thought that’d be incredible.”

Tickets to the dance sold out. Race participants were on pace to double from 300 last year to 600 this year.

“We were killing it,” Coyle said.

West Leechburg Mayor Jim Gallucci said the fundraiser is great for the community.

“We love having it here,” Gallucci said.

The race is held in the morning and the dance at night. Each has guests of honor.

One of this year’s guests was to be Nora Caporali, 3½, of Oklahoma Borough. She has acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Jenelle Caporali, Nora’s mom, said it’s disappointing the event was canceled, but she understands why.

“With Nora’s situation, we have to be hyper vigilant, especially now,” Caporali said. “I think it was the best decision, really, in the long run.”

Next year’s fundraiser will be held March 13. Coyle said the Caporalis will be honored then.

“I’m super bummed about it, but I think that at the end of the day I’ve found peace in the fact that we’re doing the right thing, making the right call, with the best interest of everybody else in mind,” Coyle said.