A day of remembrance that was filled with good times

By Mike Holzheimer, Sun News 

HINCKLEY The smiles came from the heavens above.

No, it wasn’t the bright sun and blue skies that blanketed a group of golfers for an entire day. It was what everyone in attendance felt and truly believed — a warmth and feeling of gratitude showered upon those at the Valleaire Golf Club by two young children sadly taken from their family, friends and loved ones much, much too soon.

The event was the Ehrbar Angels Foundation Golf Outing with all of the proceeds benefiting the organization that is providing an everlasting memory of a sister and brother, Erin and Andrew Ehrbar, who tragically lost their lives in April 2010.

The children’s mother, Laura D. Ehrbar-DePiero is the founder and president of the Ehrbar Angels Foundation, while husband Chris DePiero is a founder and vice president. Chirs DePiero’s brother Dean, Parma mayor, is the foundation’s secretary.

A 4-person scramble golf outing just seems to be a popular way to go in terms of raising money. And the 2011 Ehrbar Angels Foundation Golf Outing certainly proved such a notion is true.

“We’re so pleased with both the weather and the turnout,” said Bob Houska, one of the event’s organizers. “We had 108 golfers register to play, and they all showed up in support of this great cause. We’re all so very proud to be able to do this for Chris, Laura and the family.”

The money raised from the initial fee by each golfing participant, and the many tickets sold for an impressive list of prizes drawn during the post-event steak dinner, allows the parents of Erin and Andrew to provide students in the Medina Highland School district some special opportunities.

This golf outing, and other fundraisers in the future will help provide opportunities such as Highland High School senior scholarships, eighth-grade student trips to Washington, D.C. and education to teenage drivers.

Laura Ehrbar spoke to those gathered inside the Valleaire Golf Club Pavilion, and gave a heart-warming message of thanks to everyone.

“The hole in our hearts that was made when Erin and Andrew died will never be filled,” she said fighting back the tears, “But today, seeing so many of you coming together to help us keep the memory of Erin and Andrew alive, brings much joy to my heart. All of your efforts will help us give opportunities to other children. It’s what Erin and Andrew would have wanted us give.”

Erin and Andrew, known for their humor, smile, kindness and love of sports respectively, have left such a proud legacy in terms of giving to others. They gave the most important gift one can receive — LIFE.

“Both Erin and Andrew were organ donors,” said Laura Ehrbar. “We’ve actually met and stay in touch with the people who benefited from Erin and Andrew’s organ donation. Today, they are enjoying life because of Erin and Andrew’s gift. I would encourage all of you to consider becoming an organ donor. It can mean everything to someone.”

What the day’s events meant to everyone carrying a golf bag to the Valleaire Golf Club first tee, was an opportunity to play and give to such a wonderful cause, while providing financial and emotional support to a family who has had to go through the most unthinkable of all possible circumstances.

“There is not a day that goes by that we don’t think of Erin and Andrew,” said Chris DePiero. “We can look out, though, at everyone on that golf course today, and know that we are not alone. Your support means a great deal to us. We cannot thank everyone enough.”

Thanks goes out to all of the sponsors of this event as well. Instead of hole sponsors and signs, the committee decided to sell “angels” and have a chance for some great prizes headlined by a 52-inch Mitsubishi flat screen television.

Other prizes included a Peyton Hillis autographed jersey, Browns tickets, Cavs tickets, Firestone Country Club, Weymouth Country Club, Rosemont Country Club, Fox Meadow Country Club, Columbia Hills Country Club and Tippecanoe Country Club gift certificates, a Colt McCoyautographed football, golf clubs, Indians tickets, Ohio State football tickets, Chicago Cubs tickets, a home theatre system, cameras and gift baskets a plenty.

Special thanks was again expressed to all who came to this year’s event. An outing like this is not possible without golfers, sponsors, friends and family with an outpouring of generosity that can never be repaid. With everyone’s help, the memory of Erin and Andrew Ehrbar will remain alive.

And while their time with us was seemingly ever so brief, the special gifts they gave to their parents, family and friends will be forever treasured, and long remembered in the days that lie ahead.