EVENDALE -- A line of 14 people formed near Matt Hensley's hot dog booth Saturday afternoon.
People yelled their orders to the 28-year-old Colerain Township man, and he listened -- something his 5-year-old daughter, Lauren, can't do.
For the fourth year in a row, Mr. Hensley has dedicated three days out of the month to help other volunteers at St. Rita Fest. The festival, one of the 10 largest in the Tristate, raises money for St. Rita School for the Deaf.
Lauren, who is in a special program for pre-kindergarten children, has battled a hearing impairment her entire life. It was difficult to have a child who cannot hear the voices of her parents, Mr. Hensley said.
"At first, I was afraid that I couldn't tell her I loved her, because she wouldn't be able to understand me," he said. "But the first time she said that she loved me, I fell to pieces.
"This place has done so much for my family, and this was one way I think these families can give back."
The event raises almost 10 percent of the year's budget for the school, said Jodi Weiser, public relations coordinator for St. Rita. More than 150,000 people are expected to attend the 82nd festival, which includes food, dancing and carnival rides.
IF YOU GO
|
What: St. Rita Fest '98.
Where: St. Rita School for the Deaf, 1720 Glendale-Milford Road in Evendale.
When: Festival continues today 1-10 p.m.
Directions: Take Exit 14 (Woodlawn - Evendale exit) off Interstate 75; watch for signs to St. Rita.
Information: 772-7005.
|
Giving back to the school is the biggest reason people come each year, Ms. Weiser said.
"Our families, and the others, really feel like they're a part of something," she said. "Our events are so successful, because the community wants to get involved."
St. Rita is the nation's only privately funded school for the deaf, Ms. Weiser said. The 83-year-old school has an enrollment of 150 students, which includes children from Syria and Pakistan.
