Zumbathon benefits Niles family

Photo courtesy of Kelly Rosenhagen, Simply Gorgeous Photography Around 125 people attended a Zumbathon benefit for the family of Raleigh Franco Saturday at the Niles-Buchanan YMCA.

Linda Kirkendoll says she is overwhelmed by the community support she and her family have received since the death of her 4-year-old granddaughter, Raleigh Franco.

Franco died unexpectedly of pneumonia on March 9.

“Niles has been amazing,” she said. “It is like we aren’t going through it alone.”

A Zumbathon was held Saturday night at the Niles-Buchanan YMCA to raise funds for the Kirkendoll and Franco families.Around 125 people attended the Zumbathon and raised a substantial amount of money, according to one of the event organizers, Lindsey Cloutier.

Kirkendoll was one of those in attendance.

“It was really awesome, and it was powerful,” said Kirkendoll, who runs J Jireh Salon in Niles. “They just kept coming all through the night. Some would come and leave their donation and go.”

Event organizers presented Raleigh Franco’s family with the funds raised at the event Monday afternoon.

“There is just no words for how I feel,” Kirkendoll said. “My family just can’t thank everybody enough.”

Leader Columnists

Cains: Opinion is not news

Crime/Court

Niles man gets probation for sending explicit photo to minor

Community News

Dowagiac, Edwardsburg drama programs nominated for WAVE Awards

Business

Zolman Tire hosts Student Leadership Award ceremony

Columns

APPLEGATE: Providing a comprehensive and accessible learning environment for all students

Crime/Court

Niles man gets prison time on drug charges

Community News

AMVETS Post 1978 hosts annual Blessing of the Bikes event

Letters to the Editor

Vote ‘yes’ May 7 for Bobcats

Business

JC’s Grill opens in Niles Township

Cass County

Cass County high school students invited to participate in design contest

Dowagiac

Sanitary sewer overflow reported in Dowagiac

Community News

Dowagiac Area History Museum Spring Lecture Series continues this week with Ring Lardner spotlight

Cass County

Dowagiac teen sentenced for resisting police

Dowagiac

Two hospitalized after two-vehicle Howard Township crash

Community News

Rotary president named Paul Harris Fellow

Berrien County

New public administrator appointed in Berrien County

Community News

Niles teen delivers 300+ tree saplings on Earth Day

Local Government

Niles City Council approves Memorial Day Parade

Community News

City council talks PrideFest, approves housing grant

Community News

Dowagiac Middle School to host inaugural Mother’s Day Market, Craft Fair Saturday

Brandywine Education

Michigan Supreme Court hears case at SMC

Community News

Dowagiac first responders, school staff honored for life-saving actions

Community News

2024 Dowagiac Music in The Park lineup, vendors announced

Business

YMCA to open downtown South Bend location