Lacey Township Officials Laud 'Lacey Kids For A Cure' At Committee Meeting

by Patricia A. Miller

They started with five members in May. But by the time the ’Lacey Kids For A Cure” walked in the ”Million Mile Walk” a few weeks ago, they were 200 strong.

Mayor Gary Quinn and Township Committee members brought the children up on the dais at the Oct. 9 committee meeting to hand out proclamations to each one. So far, the Lacey children have raised almost $10,000 for Alex’s Lemonade Stand, a nationwide organization dedicated to pediatric cancer research.

“It’s just absolutely amazing how quickly this has grown,” Quinn said.

Brett and Kelli Smith suggested to their daughter Zoey earlier this year that she pick a cause or two to do some good for people, Kelli said at the meeting.

“We wanted the children to learn the importance of giving back to the community,” she said. ”The kids chose pediatric cancer.”

Zoey called her friends up to the dais one at a time to pose for pictures with family members and township officials.

“Whereas, the Township of Lacey wishes to recognize these young people that have given of themselves to participate in sch a worthwhile cause to recognize them as tomorrow’s leaders and to view them as a direct reflection of their parents whose values instill compassion, vision and a sense of community,” the proclamations state.

The children who received proclamations included Zoey Smith, Kyan Smith, Marissa Flores, Amanda Ward, Megan Ward, Benjamin Tengowski, Anna Tengowski, Emma Rhoades, Kealie Rhoades, Mackenzie Brotherson, Brooke Brotherston, Nathaniel Watson, Kayleigh Watson, Reece Pageat, Julie Stavalo, Gianna Comporeale, Sienna Camporeale, Gracie Kiernan, Michael Kiernan, Allison Gravemen, Samantha Swain, Eva Page, Meghan Colton and Joe Colton.