Adding to the cause

Sara Kasey (left) is joined on-stage by Rooster Walk organizers Johnny Buck (center) and William Baptist during Rooster Walk 2 on May 29, 2010. Sara, a 2010 honors graduate from Martinsville High School, was the first recipient of the Penn-Shank Memorial Scholarship. She is a current freshman at Randolph College.

Recently, we donated $5,000 to the scholarship at Martinsville High School using proceeds from Rooster Walk 2. We’ve now donated $10,000 in two years.

We’re working hard these days putting together Rooster Walk 3. When you’re telling friends about the awesome festival they should attend this Memorial Day weekend, don’t forget to mention that they’re ticket money is going to a great cause. We’ll be awarding another scholarship to a current Martinsville senior this spring, and we plan on making another donation to the fund after RW3 is in the books.

If you want to know a little bit more about the donation, check this article.

Mourning the loss of a great friend

Matt Wade, back center, passed away Thursday night. The 32-year-old Martinsville resident is seen here during Rooster Walk 2 with Chase Young, back right, Kim Barto, back left, and Jennifer Row. Matt was an irreplaceable member of the Rooster Walk family who will never be forgotten.

Members of Penn-Shank Memorial are mourning the recent passing of Matt Wade, an incredible guy and irreplaceable member of the Rooster Walk family.
Matt passed away Thursday night from an apparent heart attack. He was 32 years old.
Please join us in sending our thoughts and prayers to his family. The loss of any life is an undeniable tragedy, and Matt was no ordinary man. He truly was a friend to all: a jovial giant who would bend over backward to help a friend – or even a stranger – in need. His death will have far-reaching impacts in this community and beyond.
He lived life in a way that took advantage of every moment; he was one of the most positive people I knew. His ability to stay upbeat during even the most trying times was – and will remain – an inspiration to me.
Even those of you who didn’t know Matt personally probably remember him. He was a vital volunteer at both Rooster Walk 1 and RW2. Most recently, he managed our parking at RW2 (and did a fantastic job at it, while also helping with every pre-fest workday, the setup and the post-fest clean up). You may recall the big guy with a cheshire grin who drove the stretch golf cart for most of the festival … that was Matt.

He will be missed; he remains loved.

~johnny buck

Speaking of the silent auction

Those of you who attended Rooster Walk last spring undoubtedly remember our silent auction. We had a bunch of great items up for bid last year, all of which were donated by people and businesses in the community. The money raised from the auction helped create the $5,000 scholarship fund recently established at Martinsville High School, and the whole thing was a big hit.

It was so successful, in fact, that we’ve decided to hold the silent auction again this year. We’ve already had a bunch of awesome contributions, but we’re not done looking.

If you or someone you know would like to donate something for the silent auction, please e-mail us at roosterwalk@gmail.com. And keep in mind, these items don’t have be diamond plated or gold encrusted.

A few examples: Gift certificates from area businesses, artwork or crafts of any kind (last year we had a painting, pottery and a wild-game seasoning packet, to name a few), gift baskets, donated labor (like a few hours of free landscaping, or a free car wash, for example).

Silent auction items will be displayed with the name/contact info of the donor or donating business, as well as a suggested retail value. That way, you’ll get a little marketing exposure out of the deal, in addition to supporting a great cause!