By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Hudson – Although miles weren’t walked on a wet and windy Oct. 27, smiles once again beamed at a remembrance fundraiser in Hudson. Supportive relatives and friends – many attired in pink – endured a rainstorm to attend the seventh annual Miles and Smiles for Michaella at Hudson-Concord Elks Lodge 959. This year’s change of venue from Morgan Bowl allowed event organizers to replace the rained-out walk with activities sheltered by the Elks pavilion.
The event is held in memory of Michaella Walsh Libby, a Hudson High School (HHS) 2010 alum. She was a sophomore at the University of Maryland (UM) majoring in public health when she passed away at age 20 in 2012. While studying at UM, she tutored inner-city children with Kids Power in Washington, D.C., and raised funds for the UM chapter of Students Helping Honduras (SHH).
Her favorite color was pink and she had a flair for fashion. A prize is awarded to the event participant wearing the pinkest outfit. Weather permitting, a high-heel dash would have taken place for the seventh year. Despite stormy conditions, the fundraiser concluded with the planned release of pink helium balloons.
Proceeds go to scholarships awarded to HHS and UM graduates who share her interest in community service or will major in a health-related field, as well as SHH. New this year, proceeds will also assist two families in need who have lost a child with funeral expenses.
For information about the Michaella Walsh Libby Foundation, visit michaellawalshlibby.com.
Photos/Ed Karvoski Jr.
