As Pink Arrow week kicks off we also remember those who are no longer with us but will never be forgotten. On August 20 and 21 of this year Jim and Bev Hall were remembered and honored by their daughter. Additionally friends and family of the Halls and their children donated money to go toward two scholarships. Andrea Harwood, the youngest of the Hall’s children, grew up learning from her parents’ example. She saw the love they had for their community. She saw them give without wanting anything in return. While running Harwood would often think about her parents and what they’ve done for Lowell. She wanted to do give something to the community in their memory. A friend gave her the idea of running back to back half marathons.
After setting up a YouCaring page, Andrea thought looking for pledges to raise money would be the hard part. With a goal of raising $500 to be split between two scholarships, she was prepared to donate money from her own pocket should she fall short. The first donation would come from her sister Krystin, who then shared the YouCaring on Facebook. Within two hours $1,000 was raised. “I am very blessed to live in a community of people who care. I have even received donations from my running community (as far as England). As of today I have raised $2,300.25.” says Andrea with appreciation and admiration. The page has been shared on Facebook more than 400 times.
Jim and Bev believed in keeping things local. Andrea felt the importance of keeping what was raised within the community. The funds raised will be split into two equal scholarships. The first half marathon was to honor her mother (wearing pink). The Beverly J. Hall Scholarship will go to a Lowell Women’s Club student. Andrea’s second half marathon was for her father (wearing green). The James W. Hall Art Scholarship will go to a student attending Kendall College or another art design school. Both scholarships will be awarded to students graduating in 2017.
Andrea would like to continue to honor her parents but is unsure what she will do next. Perhaps during another run, while thinking about her parents, she’ll have some thoughts. While her two half marathons are complete, it’s not too late to donate money. You can visit her YouCaring Page (https://www.youcaring.com/andrea-harwood-598326) or send a check to her directly to Andrea Harwood at 1288 Highland Hill Dr., Lowell MI 49331. Indicate in the memo that the money is for the Hall scholarships. The memory of Jim and Bev Hall will never be forgotten. Andrea Harwood has made sure their values, respect, and love for the Lowell community will also live on by raising quite a few pennies for her thoughts. She concludes, “There is no greater joy than doing something for someone other than yourself.”
Photos courtesy of Andrea Harwood.
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