Submitted Photo Since 2014, the Darren Manzella-Lapeira Memorial Run has raised $86,000 to support local veterans services. This year‘s event was the final one, organizers announced recently. Pictured from left are Lisa Lynde, Chautauqua Region Community Foundation program officer; Mike and Nancy Manzella, Darren’s parents; and Greg Carlson, Chautauqua County Veterans Service Agency director.

OBSERVER Staff Report

BROCTON — For six years, the Darren Manzella-Lapeira Memorial Run has raised more than $86,000. “We set a goal, and feel that we have now achieved it,” said Nancy and Mike Manzella, parents of Darren, following the most recent event held in July.

Following this summer’s Darren Manzella-Lapeira Memorial Run, organizers and the Manzellas announced the end of the event. “We are grateful to our sponsors, donors, volunteers and community organizations that have contributed in any way, shape or form, their time and effort to support the run over the past six years,” the Manzellas said in a joint statement.

This year’s event included 163 runner and walker participants as well as numerous volunteers, sponsors, friends, donors and other who participated

“Darren would have been very proud and grateful for all the support received from the Brocton-Portland communities, other communities in Chautauqua County and many other individuals and organizations who had connections to Darren throughout the country,” the Manzellas said.

After all expenses were paid for the Run, $15,216.86 was raised this year in honor of Darren to support area veterans. Proceeds from this event will benefit three funds established in Darren’s name:

¯ The Darren Manzellla-Lapeira Veterans Assistance Fund will receive $5,216.86 in donation this year at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. This fund assists Veterans in time of immediate need to pay for things such as rent, car payments, groceries and other immediate needs. This fund continually compounds itself as the interest is distributed and not the primary balance.

¯ The Veterans Endowment Foundation Fund administered through the Chautauqua County Veterans Service Agency, will receive $5,000. This fund serves as an interest free loan with no fixed payment schedule up to $500 per veteran in need of financial assistance. If the loan is paid back, the veteran may reapply for another loan up to the $500 limit again.

According to Greg Carlson, director of the Chautauqua County Veterans Service Agency, the Veterans Assistance Fund has provided financial support to more than 100 local veterans since 2014.

“This fund is an answer to the prayers of local veterans who may have fallen on hard times and just need a little help,” Carlson said. “Since this fund is locally controlled, getting help from the fund is not a VA benefit that must go through a long process that is discriminatory in nature.”

Veterans have received assistance with paying rent, utility bills, medical bills, day-care costs, car repairs and more.

¯ $5,000 will be donated to the Staff Sgt. Darren Manzella-Lapeira Scholarship Fund at Brocton Central School. This is a 1,000 per year scholarship awarded to a graduating senior who is a descendent of a veteran or a family member currently on active duty, to further their formal education in any form. This scholarship is administered by the American Legion Post 434 and Brocton Central School, and will be funded by Mike and Nancy Manzella once the Fund proceeds have all been awarded.

Sponsors, volunteers, donors of the event included: The American Legion Posts 434, The Sons of the American Legion, Brocton Central School, The Brocton/Portland Fire Department and all those who contributed in any way or form, their time and effort to support the Run this year and in past years. “The Run Committee was again the heart of every Run we have organized and work so hard to make it a success,” the Manzellas stated. “A huge thank you to Deanne Manzella, Pat Titus, Lynne Wysocki, Kathy Thies, Cindy Orr, Andrew and Amber Manzella, and Ivis Edgerton. You are all so amazing.”

A U.S. Army medic and civilian who used his military experiences to help veterans and current service members, Darren was killed in a car accident in August 2013.

At the time of his death, he was serving as a Staff Sergeant in the Army National Guard and working as a counselor at the Canadaigua Veterans Crisis Call Center.

In addition to his lauded service as a medic while serving two tours of duty overseas during The Iraq War, and for his compassionate listening skills, Darren will be remembered for his heroism in challenging the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, which was repealed in 2011.

“It has been not only a very rewarding event for the proceeds that have been raised for our area veterans, but also for all the support we received in our son’s memory to keep his legacy alive,” the Manzellas said. “This has meant so much to our family. Thank you.”

If anyone wishes to contribute to the established fund in the future, you may do so by mailing contributions to the: Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, Darren Manzella-Lapeira Veteran’s Assistance Fund, 418 Spring Street, Jamestown, NY 14701.