The Ada midget football team raised more than $10,000 on Oct. 13, during its first-ever Cancer Walk at War Memorial Stadium in Ada. All proceeds were donated to Not By Choice Outreach in Kenton.

More than 300 Hardin County residents preregistered and participated in this event.  Organizers thanked them for their support as well as from more than 100 sponsors and countless donors.

Prior to the start of the walk, an invocation was given by Steve Hellman. This was followed by three featured speakers:
• David Dellifield,
• Debbie Combs Shepherd,
• and CEO/Founder of Not By Choice Outreach (NBCO), Marcia Retterer.

Tim Campbell, head coach of Ada Midget Football, spoke about the reason for holding the event. He said, “We wanted to show our young athletes and cheerleaders about the importance of giving back by working together through community service and being helpful caregivers for others in need." 

He said, “These young athletes and cheerleaders have stepped up and made this event bigger than we ever dreamed. They deserve all the praise for this very successful event!”

Campbell added that he has never been more proud of being an Ada midget football coach and a longtime Ada resident.

He concluded by saying: "It is just awesome how the whole community, in a short period of time, stepped up in making all this happen!"

Then Ada midget football players and cheerleaders were joined by their coaches, other children, and other community participants for a very colorful balloon release.

Walk participants wore a variety of colored t-shirts representing from childhood cancer to recognizing cancer caregivers.

Throughout the afternoon refreshments were served, 20 donated gifts were given away, and a 50/50 raffle took place.

The event ended with a colorful cancer ribbon photo done by J.C. Blake of Enon-Joesph Photography, Upper Sandusky.

Anyone wishing to make further monetary donations throughout the year for this annual event and support this cause may do so through the “Ada Midget Football Cancer Walk” account at Liberty National Bank.