Tara Swan receives a check from Paul Fratengelo of the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club following this year's Kallie's Krusade fundraiser. Pictured, from left, are Shelley Payne, Swan, Fratangelo and Michelle Carlberg. Photo by Daryl Simons Jr.

LAKEWOOD — Paul Fratangelo, treasurer of the Lakewood Rod and Gun Club, presented a check this week to Tara Swan for Kallie’s Krusade. In total, the Kallie’s Krusade Labor Day fundraising event made over $16,000, according to Swan — the most made so far.

“We wanted to specially thank the Rod and Gun Club for all of their generosity,” Swan said. “And for them to present us with an additional checks along with letting us use their grounds for the Kallie’s Krusade fundraiser, was incredibly generous on their part.”

Fratangelo said the club was more than happy to help out. “It’s a worthy cause and I’m glad that the facility was available for Kallie’s Krusade to use,” he said, noting that the place was “packed.”

Both Swan and Fratangelo talked about the fundraiser’s success, in part due to hosting it over Labor Day.

“It worked perfectly on Labor Day,” Fratangelo said.

Swan shared some words of gratitude for everyone involved. “I wanted to thank all the generous sponsors,” she said. “All of the volunteers for devoting their time on Labor Day, our board members and trustees for their commitment to the foundation and our fundraising events, as well as the community for their continued support, kind words, and heartfelt prayers for our mission and those we help.”

In all, there were more than 60 sponsors for the event: Lakewood Rod and Gun, NFI Empire, Unyts, Dave Warren CDJR, Veterans of Modern Warfare, DJ Payne, among others.

Aside from the financial success of the fundraiser, both the 5K Kolor Run and the Motorcycle Kruise for Kallie has large turnouts. All in all, there were 151 runners and 125 motorcycles. Even the Korn Hole tournament had an impressive turnout, with 13 teams participating. The Motorcycle Kruise was escorted by the police around the lake.

Swan mentioned that they had hundreds of other people stop by for the other events during the fundraiser as well: Kallie’s Karnival, Unyts Blood Drive, Be The Match Bone Marrow Donor Drive, and the food and entertainment.

“It’s a great event and a great benefit,” Fratangelo said. “This fundraiser is a worthwhile event and we’re just happy for Tara, Kallie’s Krusade and the community.”