The Turtle Trot that coincided with Antwerp’s Day in the Park was a huge success and had hundreds of people who were there. Over 300 shirts were made by Hines and all sold out to raise funds during this 5k event. The park was literally packed with people. It was announced that the Turtle Trot was not the end but the beginning of something great – the Holly Kobee Foundation and the Holly Beach Splash Pad.
237 participants had pre-registered and 58 were added as walk up registrants, make a combined total of 295 participants at the Turtle Trot 5k! 360 T-shirts were sold (more are coming to full-fill all the orders!) There were 67 pathway sponsors. Altogether $15,000 was raised to start the Holly Kobee Foundation!
Maria announced the winners of the event: Kyler Johnson first mile winner, 5k first place – Sam Williamson, 5k 2nd place Jake Rinehart, 5k 3rd place Landon Brewer. The custom engraved rock winner was Maggie Rinehart.
Maria stated that there were many volunteers that made this event a success and she recognized them all. This dream made possible to recognize Holly Kobee who passed away last year in July, as a beloved community individual who made a difference in so many ways, and in so many lives. The community is now ready to support her legacy. Maria said, “Wow what a wonderful day Saturday was! These are the reasons why we moved to Antwerp to raise our family!”
There will be several fundraisers in the days to come. The next large event will be the Fall Harvest Festival Oct. 23rd at the Mac Gym.
Tim Copsey from the Paulding County Economic Development stated, “Maria Kobee had the motivation to reach out and make this possible. We are here to connect the dots!” The sites for the location of Holly Beach Splash Pad are not finalized. The pad would be the first in Paulding County, and the committee, through the ACDC and other groups, are trying to make the splash pad sustainable with solar power and water recycling. It is estimated that the pad will cost around $250,000. There are still many things that need decided and funds to be raised. If everything was in order and ready to go today, it would not be in until Fall of 2022. Tim said a more realistic date would be 2023. As a community, we can make all of this happen.
You may reach out to Maria Kobee for Questions at hollykobeememorial@yahoo.com or Tim Copsey at the Paulding County Economic Development – and you can make a difference! The Holly Kobee Foundation address is 151 Maumee Lane Antwerp, OH 45813
