Jeanne Rock
When Jeanne Rock had to have major back surgery in 2018, a dispute with her long-term disability carrier meant that the bills kept coming but the income stopped.
“I started to get behind on my bills really quick,” Rock said.
A friend, Jill Ulmer, suggested that Rock apply to the ECHO Charitable Foundation for assistance. As a 1978 Brookfield High grad, Rock was eligible for a grant from Echo.
“They really helped me out of a tough, tough spot,” said Rock, who lives in Masury. “I was very grateful.”
So grateful that once Rock got better she offered to help ECHO in any way she could. She serves on the foundation’s board and helps organize and run the group’s annual fundraiser.
“I see the great things they do and all the people they help,” Rock said. “I’m happy to be here to help them do it.”
This year’s fundraiser will be held Feb. 22 at Yankee Lake Ballroom. Tickets are $45 and get you dinner, dessert, music by DJ Bob Vaia and a concert by Chris Higbee and Kevin Dale.
ECHO was created in 2009 by members of the Brookfield High Class of ’71 to help Brookfield alumni who “have experienced exceptional circumstances and are in financial need,” according to the foundation. ECHO is a fund of the Community Foundation of Western PA and Eastern OH and has provided financial assistance to more than 50 families.
“There has never been a no vote when someone has needed our help,” Rock said. “We all are right on board with helping anyone that needs it at anytime they need it.”
Fundraiser tickets cost $45 and are available at Yankee Lake Party Center, 1800 Route 7; Laddie’s Sky Club, 8199 Warren Sharon Road, Masury; Warehouse Sales, 200 Silver St., Sharon; and Shampooch, 2005 Pine Hollow Blvd., Hermitage. You don’t have to be an alum to attend the fundraiser. There are no tickets sold at the door.
Rock said the fundraiser has been a way for her to catch up with people she had lost contact with, and see people who come from out of town.
“You go to the fundraiser and you see people you haven’t seen in years and years you don’t even realize still live in the community,” she said.
Applications for assistance are available on the foundation’s Facebook page or at the Community Foundation, 7 W. State St., Sharon. Donations can be made to the Community Foundation anytime. Write ECHO Charitable Fund in the memo line of any checks.
