Local News

Third annual Freedom Fundraiser raises $6,500

Despite the extreme heat last month, runners and walkers laced up their shoes for a great cause, while children ages 1-10 sped on Second Avenue during the annual Kids Dash. Throughout the afternoon, downtown Warren was alive with energy, music, and community spirit.

Molly Dies’ Dance Studio had children dancing in the streets, while Slim & Red, courtesy of Blue Moon Management, kicked off the live entertainment with a mix of classic favorites and Top 40 hits. The Warren Music Conservatory showcased local talent, including singer Paul Schwanke and the up-and-coming girls’ group Daughters of Thunder. DJ Joe McClellan kept the streets filled with music while serving as the event’s emcee, and the evening concluded with a memorable performance by Nashville duo, Of A Feather.

One of the evening’s most memorable moments came at the beginning of the 5K, when the event’s “Most Patriotic Runner” was recognized. The winner received a very special American flag that had been flown over the Pennsylvania State Capitol on Flag Day. The flag was generously donated by Senator Kathy Rapp, adding a meaningful tribute to the event’s patriotic spirit and honoring the community’s celebration of Independence Day. Participants embraced the challenge by dressing in creative red, white, and blue attire, making the competition one of the highlights of the evening.

First-place prize donors include the Audubon Community Nature Center, the Erie Zoo, Senator John Heinz History Center, and the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Second-place winners received ice cream gift card chips, courtesy of Chloe’s Creamery, one of Warren’s downtown favorites. Third-place winners received day passes to Goat Fort, another popular downtown destination.

Kids Dash winners in the ages 1-2 bracket are: 1st: William Gaskin, 2nd: Riley VanOrd and 3rd: Sophia Karazsia. In the ages 3-4 bracket: 1st: Charlie Gaskin, 2nd: Jet Turk and 3rd: Charlie Paul. Ages 5-6 include 1st: Bridger Reinke, 2nd: Grant Haslet and 3rd: Alice Gaskin. Ages 7-10: 1st: Levy Honhart, 2nd: Aidan Waseleski and 3rd: Nash Jones.

The Third Annual Freedom Fundraiser, hosted by Wicked Warren’s, would like to extend its sincere appreciation to this year’s generous sponsors: Pennsylvania General Energy, United Refining, Complete Roofing Systems, Lindell Farms, AR Trucking, Inc., McNeal Wood Works, Nice Ash Cigars Warren, Hamlin Bank & Trust, Sheetz, AC&C Disposal Inc. dba Fitch Disposal, Bob Cummins, Wegmans, Mark and Pat Evans, and Gaughn’s Drug Store.

Thanks to the incredible support of sponsors, volunteers, entertainers, and participants, this year’s event raised more than $6,500 for Caring for Life.

Caring for Life’s mission is to provide financial assistance to families caring for seriously, catastrophically, or terminally ill children. Since 2005, the organization has served 81 Warren County families, reimbursing more than $454,113 in expenses. Additionally, 89 emergency care packages have been provided to families whose child was transported to a children’s hospital during a medical emergency. In 2025 alone, Caring for Life reimbursed 22 families for a total of $27,964.

Director of Caring for Life, Lori McNeal said, "We are extremely grateful to Rob Roth of Wicked Warren’s and Susanne Klein, who organized the Freedom Run, along with the sponsors who invested in our mission, the volunteers who gave their time, and every participant who laced up their running shoes for a great cause. The success of this Freedom Run is a testament to what can happen when a community comes together to support its neighbors. These proceeds will make a meaningful difference in the lives of the Warren County families we serve.”

Official 5K race results and timing can be found at: https://runhigh.com/2026RESULT (July 3, 2026 Freedom Run 5K Results).

Rob Roth, CEO of Wicked Warren’s, also reflected on the event’s success by saying, “At Wicked Warren’s, we believe businesses have a responsibility to give back to the communities that support them. The Freedom Fundraiser represents the very best of Warren--neighbors helping neighbors, families creating memories together, and an entire community rallying around an important cause. We are honored to have partnered with Caring for Life this year.”

The proceeds from this year's Freedom Fundraiser 5K & Kids Dash was presented recently to the Caring for Life organization with a check totaling over $6,000. On behalf of Wicked Warren’s, Susanne Klein, Julie Dalton and Rob Roth, were honored to present the donation to Darbee Harrington and Lori McNeal of Caring for Life.

What started as an idea to bring our community together has become something much greater: neighbors helping neighbors and making a real difference in the lives of local families.

The lives of two incredible families have been touched by Caring for Life. The Phillips family and the Bevevino family have stories that remind us exactly why this event matters and why our community continues to show up year after year.

This donation would not have been possible without every runner and walker who braved the heat, every child who raced in the Kids Dash, the amazing entertainers, generous sponsors, incredible volunteers and everyone who came downtown to support the event.