F.A.T.S. to host first responder fundraiser

In conjunction with First Responder’s Day on Oct. 28, a fundraiser is being held for Ashton Staton, a LaMuth Middle School boy who has been in a coma for over 100 days.

On Oct. 29, from 4 to 8 p.m., community members can pay for meals at Flavors Around the Square, or

F.A.T.S, that will go to first responders in the community. F.A.T.S. is located at 25 S. St. Clair Street in Painesville.

“For every $15 somebody donates to feed a first responder, we will deliver the meals to Painesville Police Department, the (Lake County) Sheriff’s Department and Firehouse Number One on Concord Hambden Road,” said Paula Price, founder of 100 Youth That

Care, which is putting on the fundraiser along with the restaurant.

The fundraiser is a part of a weekly fundraising event held on every Thursday during the month of October to raise money for Staton. Price said this will be the last fundraiser of the month that also looks to highlight the work that first responders do in the community.

“This is great for the first responders,” Price said.

“They do a lot for the community as well and this is an honor of their day. (F.A.T.S) will tally up all of the Thursdays in October, and part of their sales will go to Ashton Staton and his medical expenses.”

Armando Morin, owner of F.A.T.S, said “it’s been a blessing trying to help” but there has been some difficulty in attendance at the fundraiser events. He said

since the community is used to the standard hours at F.A.T.S where they typically close at 3 p.m., participation isn’t all that they hope for.

“We don’t open at night,” he said. “We tried to advertise, and it’s been hard.”

The Oct. 29 fundraiser will also have a raffle hosted on Facebook Live consisting of a giveaway for a television, a free night’s stay at the Hilton Hampton Inn in Madison, car detailing from Rhino Mobile Detailing, and a clothing gift certificate for PVO Clothing Co. Price said participants do not have to be in attendance to receive their prize.

BY JUSTIN RANSOM Around the Square will host its final fundraiser for Ashton Staton, a LaMuth Middle School student who has been in a coma for over 100 days, on Oct. 29.