The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
KIDS TO RAISE FUNDS
Proceeds from lemonade stand to help pay officer’s medical bills
A trio of Sheffield Lake youngsters are doing their part to help Amherst police officer Eugene Ptacek, who was wounded during a shoot out May 31, by selling baked goods and lemonade June 8 and 9.
Trista Rowe, 7, Natalie Brown, 7, and Timothy Rowe, 11, will sell sweet treats and beverages — with family and friends — at the Sheffield Village Police Department, 4340 Colorado Ave.
The sale will take place from noon to 5 p.m. on both days.
Proceeds will go to help pay for Ptacek’s medical bills.
Ptacek, a 17-year veteran of the Amherst Police Department, was shot during a
“I think it’s pretty cool that the community is reaching out in honor of our officer.” — Amherst police Lt. Mark Cawthon
standoff in Sheffield Lake while on duty as a member of the Lorain County SWAT team.
Authorities were attempting to serve a warrant to Martin L. Robinson, 39, at his home, 778 Oliver St. in Sheffield Lake, when authorities said he opened fire wounding Ptacek.
As of June 7, Robinson, who also was injured, had not been charged in the shooting.
Trista said she heard the news of an officer who was shot and immediately wanted to help.
Trista’s mother, Stacy Watkins Francis, said they were near the area where the standoff took place.
Francis recalled that after Trista watched the officer get carried away by helicopter, she was concerned about him.
“I felt sad for the officer,” Trista said after hearing Ptacek was injured. “So, I wanted to do something good for him.”
Her brother Timothy and best friend Natalie also joined in the initiative to help Ptacek.
They volunteered to donate money from their own banks to put toward what solely was going to be a lemonade stand, Francis said.
After organizations like Lorain County Blue Foundation of Avon and Operation Open Heart of Lorain County became involved, word spread and the stand grew.
Francis’ family and friends decided to bake goods to sell at the lemonade stand.
Apples in Sheffield Lake and Kiedrowski’s Simply Delicious Bakery in Amherst also donated sweets for the stand.
“It just spiraled, and now we are here hoping that it’s a huge success tomorrow,” Francis said.
Trista, Timothy and Natalie set a goal to raise $1,500.
The funds will be given to the Amherst Police Department.
Timothy said he’s aware that medical bills can be expensive and hopes the
funds they raise will help.
The youngsters said they hope this effort creates enough support to make Ptacek and his family feel better.
Natalie then exclaimed, “come and get some donuts.”
Amherst police Lt. Mark Cawthon said it’s awesome how different communities like Sheffield Lake and Sheffield Village are showing their concern for an officer from a different area.
“I think it’s pretty cool that the community is reaching out in honor of our officer,” Cawthon said.
It’s also remarkable that children recognized the situation for what it was and wanted to help an officer in need, he said.
Cawthon said he plans to go to the stand to greet and thank the youngsters for their help.
Ptacek’s condition was changed June 4 to serious from critical, according to Amherst police Chief Joseph Kucirek.
Donations to support Ptacek also can be made to Lorain County Blue Foundation by calling 440-9341214.