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Rock-a-thon held for Southington boy

SOUTHINGTON – Children and adults were rocking for a good cause at a rock-a-thon fundraiser held this weekend to benefit a local student battling cancer.

Wendy Tietz, a coordinator of the event, said the nine-hour event had 164 participants rocking in rocking chairs in the Southington High School all-purpose room.

“Everyone took their turn rocking in chairs. It was a lot of family. We had people of all ages,” she said.

Proceeds will help seventh-grader Garrett Proverbs who is battling a brain tumor and is unable to attend school.

Participants could bring their own chairs, and some were donated for the event. Pledges or donations were obtained by each participant.

“Garrett’s friends have been sending him cards and videos but wanted to do more. … So they came up with the idea of the rock-a-thon,” Tietz said.

The event also included a pizza contest with participants judging their favorite pizzas from different businesses and also a raffle of more than 100 items.

Tietz said each class from kindergarten to 12th made their own basket for the raffle.

“The children also decorated some of the rocking chairs. I was amazed at all the work the students did,” Tietz said.

Proverbs has been going through treatment, she said.

“He is a great kid. Everyone misses him in school,” Tietz said.

Rocking in one of the chairs was resident Peggy McKenney.

“The community always rises to the occasion to help someone. We have so many students participating at this event,” she said.

Sherri and Tom Proverbs thanked the community for their support and compassion, noting that many people gave up their Saturday to sell tickets and baked goods, supervise and clean up.

They said there was even a team from Mathews schools who helped make sure the rocking chairs were filled.

The Proverbs said the community has gone out of their way to let their son know how much they care. They said teachers have come to the house to visit him at the end of the school day.

Those who would like to help Proverbs family can send donations to “Team Garrett” at Chalker High School.

bcoupland@tribtoday.com

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