Brandon Zebrowski is pictured. An inaugural spring event is being planned by the memorial fund created after Zebrowski’s passing.

FREWSBURG – Officials from the Brandon “BZ” Memorial Fund group have organized a first-time event that will continue to bring together community members for the Easter holiday season.

Free for anyone interested in attending, coordinators hope that this will not only give youth a fun day, but also help to grow more awareness for the group’s message.

The Brandon “BZ” Memorial Fund was founded by Shelby Surrena with the goal of helping to break down the negative stigma surrounding addiction and overdose. The foundation was named after the late Brandon Zebrowski, who passed away on June 14, 2020.

Board Trustee Meg Rodgers stated that there is such a negative notion surrounding those who are struggling with addiction. In breaking down these negative perceptions, Rodgers stated that others will better recognize what a disease it truly is, and hopefully learn to better support those that are struggling.

“So we’re just kind of out there trying to, just to talk to families and just to tell them that you’re not alone when you’re dealing with somebody who has an addiction issue. Or, if somebody passes away from it, you’re not alone, we’re here for you,” said Rodgers. “What everybody needs to know is that it can happen to anybody. Never say ‘not my kid’ because it can happen.”

Rodgers noted the many ways in which the organization offers support, and attempts to remember the legacy of Brandon Zebrowski. The organization has three scholarships that are given out each year. Rodgers stated that two scholarships are dedicated to seniors in high school that will be entering into some sort of medical field, with the remaining scholarship going to those that enter directly into the workforce. Rodgers stated that, while Zebrowski attended university, he worked at the post office for many years, prompting the wish to help those going right into work. Additionally, Rodgers noted that nobody expects such an overdose to happen, and thus many families are financially unprepared to deal with these high costs.

Rodgers stated that the organization therefore uses remaining funds to help families cover funeral costs of funerals for families of these victims.

The events that the organization puts on are not only in dedication to Zebrowski, but also to grow community awareness for the disease of addiction. Rodgers stated that events, such as that of the golf event, are typically more directed toward adults. As a result, organization member Jolene Smith came up with this event, which will be able to offer fun for the entire family. In previous years, the group did do a slightly similar event titled “Egg My Yard.” Rodgers stated that this event saw children waking up to find that the Easter Bunny had left various eggs all over the yard of their house. Unfortunately, with so much snow still remaining, Rodgers stated that this was not possible to do this year.

Various activities will begin at 3 p.m. Rodgers stated that these activities will include crafts, minute to win it games, a bingo room, a washable tattoo station, coloring pages, and snacks and drinks while the supplies last. The egg hunt will begin at 4:30, and will be set up for three different age brackets. The ages will be 0-5, 6-8, and 9-12 as to allow fair competition. If it can be done, Rodgers stated that they may do a portion of the hunt in the parking lot if the weather permits. If it is too cold the event will still be taking place inside of the church.

“If we can save one person, even just that one person, or just the judgement that people get. Everyone that has this addiction is somebody’s family member. Somebody’s mother, father, brother, sister, son, daughter. We just want people to understand that, that the judgement kind of has to stop,” said Rodgers. “We just like to bring people together, because unfortunately in this time a lot of people are going through this.”

The event will take place on Saturday, March 14, at the Zion Lutheran Church, located at 45 Falconer St. For more information visit the organization on Facebook or contact 716-490-4344.