Kites give flight to Dane Foundation mission

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by Ellin Walsh

Reporter

Cuyahoga Falls -- Charlie Brown would be euphoric. Hundreds of colorful kites are expected to fill the sky over the city this coming weekend as the Cuyahoga Falls Kids Kite Festival takes place May 17 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the field at 405 Portage Trail and Fifth Street.

Whether you favor the traditional triangle shape or a stunt model with precision control, the event is intended as a fundraiser, with the emphasis on fun.

Kite-making workshops, a kite store, children's games, food and costumed characters will be featured. Admission will be free; however, some activities will have fees associated with them.

Lowery Lockard, the president and founder of The Dane Foundation, estimates about 1,500 people attended the kite festival last year; she says she hopes for a similar turnout, rain or shine, noting a heated circus tent will protect attendees from the elements. Event proceeds will benefit The Dane Foundation and Redeemer Christian School's new Family Center building project.

The foundation was established in January 2006 in honor of Dane Moser, now 22 years old, who was born with multiple disabilities. Dane was a ward of the foster care system when he was adopted by Phil and Patricia Moser of Cuyahoga Falls in 2002.

"The mission of The Dane Foundation is to address the unique needs of individuals with disabilities, single mothers and senior citizens," according to the foundation's Web Site.

Lockard acknowledges the target group sounds diverse; however, she says the common denominator is the fact many of the personal needs of people in these categories are not covered by Medicaid or medical insurance. That's where The Dane Foundation steps in, Lockard says, to supply everything from respite care to car seats and towels.

The idea for a kite festival as a fundraiser, Lockard says, was "to offer something unique and something everyone would enjoy." While Falls River Square downtown has traditionally served as the festival site, scheduling difficulties with the city forced a change in venue this year, according to Lockard.

"We were very disappointed but, as it turns out, this has given us an opportunity to actually expand the festival, partner with a community school, and provide more clear kite flying areas for the kids," Lockard stated via a press release.

At press time, Dane was healthy and expected to attend.

"More than $4,000 in cash and donations" has been raised over the three years the kite festival has existed, Lockard reports.

For more information, call 330-703-1183 or e-mail Info@TheDaneFoundation.org.

E-mail: ewalsh@recordpub.com

Phone: 330-686-3908