ZELIENOPLE - Joella Richard is no stranger to successfully coordinating community events, having overseen Zelienople's Horse Trading Days and other large affairs as president of the borough's Rotary Club.

But the inaugural Grandparents Run, to be held Oct. 8 at Lutheran Affiliated Services/Passavant Retirement Community, is an event that is especially close to Richard's heart. The race is being held in memory of Richard's grandmother, Rose Mudicka, as well as a family friend, Francies Yingling. Both were residents of Passavant, some of whose current residents will benefit from the race proceeds.

Richard said Mudicka passed away two years ago at New Haven Court, one of the neighborhoods in the large retirement community. She said her grandmother enjoyed attending races and running events Richard and her sister participated in, whether in high school or a local race.

Richard said participants can compete in the 5K race, walk the 5K course, or run or walk a one-mile course. All participants will be given the opportunity to place the names of their grandparents on their backs in honor or memorial of them.

Richard will be wearing the name of her other grandmother, 83-year-old Jane Richard, on her back. The elder Richard, a Wexford resident, will serve as the official starter of the one-mile walk. Cranberry resident Harry Kirsch will serve in that capacity for the 5K run.

All proceeds from the Grandparents Run will benefit the LAS Foundation, which financially supports residents at St. John's Specialty Care in Mars or Passavant Retirement Community who have outlived their financial resources.

Francis Grabowski, director of annual giving at the LAS Foundation, said no residents are ever asked to leave because they can no longer pay their fees.

"We just take it on," said Grabowski. "Passavant is their home, and this is where they stay."

Richard said there is a special award available for the Passavant resident who comes in first in the one-mile walk as well as a separate category and prize for walkers ages 80 and older."I just thought it was a neat way to celebrate grandparents, who hold such a special place in our hearts and lives," said Richard.Grabowski said the foundation is moved at Richard's efforts to celebrate older Americans and appreciates her skill in coordinating such events. Grabowski is also pleased that proceeds, which Richard hopes will hit $3,000, will go to the benevolent fund at the foundation."She is putting in her time and talent to help us raise funds for benevolent care in a fun and creative way," said Grabowski.