DONATION — Among those on hand for the donation of proceeds from this year’s Biasi-Shuma Memorial 5K Run/Walk were, from left, seated, Lauren Thomas, development director of the American Heart Assocciation; Marci Crawford, executive director of the United Way of Jefferson County; Jim Orsini, president of the Toronto Lions Club; and Maureen Taggart, superintendent of Toronto City Schools; back, John Livingstone, Mike Biasi, Fred Burns, Jim Cope, George Murray, Toni Moreland and Buster Bowman. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — The Kiwanis Club of Toronto, along with the Biasi and Shuma families, presented the United Way of Jefferson County with a contribution of $11,000, proceeds from the annual Biasi-Shuma Memorial 5K Run/Walk held July 5. In total, the run raised $23,500, with funds shared among the United Way of Jefferson County, the Ohio Valley Heart Association and a scholarship for a graduating senior.

For Marci Crawford, executive director of United Way of Jefferson County, the moment was humbling and inspiring.

“It was such an honor to meet the Toronto Kiwanis and to see their dedication to giving back,” Crawford said. “This gift stays right here in our community. Every dollar makes a difference, from helping children succeed in school to providing vital support for families and seniors. We are so thankful for their generosity.”

The Biasi and Shuma families, whose names the run carries, have long been committed to honoring their loved ones by supporting causes that uplift the valley. Their partnership with the Toronto Kiwanis has transformed a day of fitness and remembrance into a tradition of giving that directly changes lives.

Also present was Lauren Thomas, development director for the American Heart Association, who celebrated the gift and personally donated an Annie CPR training doll.

“Something as small as this tool can mean the difference between life and death,” Thomas said, highlighting the life-saving ripple effects of generosity.

The United Way stresses that gifts like this one never leave Jefferson County. They stay local — supporting partner agencies, feeding families, funding after-school programs and strengthening the safety nets that so many residents rely on.

Crawford noted, “When you give to United Way, you are giving to your neighbors, your co-workers, and your community,” Crawford said. “The Toronto Kiwanis, alongside the Biasi and Shuma families, have once again shown us how powerful it is when people come together to make a difference.”

As the community looks ahead, this act of generosity serves as an example of how to lift up a community — businesses, organizations and individuals alike — through giving. Whether large or small, every gift fuels the mission to Live United.