HOBART | In the aftermath of the beating of a Hobart teen, organizers of tonight's Peace Walk are hoping to bring the community together in a positive way.
The walk, which begins at 6 p.m. at the clock tower at Third and Main streets, will continue along the lakefront to The Grind Coffee House, 325 Main St. There, more events and fundraisers will help offset medical bills for Jamie Rodriguez.
Rodriguez, 16, was severely injured in a beating outside a downtown Hobart restaurant in June and had to be airlifted to Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood, Ill. She was released from the hospital a few days later but continues to undergo physical therapy and psychiatric sessions, her parents said.
Brittney McCammon, who was charged with attempted murder and felony battery in the beating, has a hearing scheduled for Aug 19. The prosecutor's office is asking that McCammon be waived to adult court.
The Peace Walk is being organized by Jayne Spencer, owner of The Grind Coffee House, and Cherie Davich.
Davich said she had wanted to hold a Peace Walk after hearing about the beating, and it was serendipity that she came across Spencer, who wanted to organize a fundraiser.
Spencer said she wants to keep a positive focus with the Peace Walk.
"I would like to see the community come together to support this family," Spencer said.
Family members of Rodriguez, including her father, Primo Rodriguez, are expected to attend, Davich said.
Spencer said people can get sponsors and sign up before the walk at The Grind, but anyone is welcome to participate.
After the walk, speakers will talk about how to keep the peace and deal with bullying. Those speakers include Hobart police Deputy Chief Jeff White and Portage School Board member Cheryl Oprisko.
Other events at The Grind after the walk include a Mexican fiesta with entertainment from the band Trophy Dots, a silent auction, 50/50 raffle and massage therapy.
"We just want everyone to reach out and help one another," Davich said. "Just be kind to one another."
For more information, or to help, call Spencer at (219) 942-4068 or e-mail Davich at cheriephoto@verizon.net.
