Jeremy Rayl was a generous man who cherished his community and family. Mr. Rayl’s wife, and President of the Rayl Charitable Organization [RCO], Elizabeth Rayl gave some insight on the event and Mr. Rayl’s life.
“He believed that we all have a responsibility to help the less fortunate,” Mrs. Rayl said.
Mr. Rayl, who passed on in 2017 at the age of 39, loved to give to the community to help those in need.
“Jeremy was giving and supported a number of charities both with his time and money,” he was remembered in his obituary. “He believed that we all have a responsibility to support the less fortunate, not with a handout but with a hand up. Under his leadership, JRayl [Transport, of which he was President and CEO] has annually supported Haven of Rest, YMCA, Toys for Tots and Make a Wish.”
The charity was formed in 2018 in memory of Jeremy Rayl by his family and friends, who wanted to continue his legacy and kindness. In 2019, the first HalloWin Race was hosted. According to Ms. Rayl, they needed annual funding to support their other programs, including the Kindness for Kids program.
“We primarily help four school districts [North Canton City, Green Local, Manchester Local, and Barberton City] through our Kindness for Kids Program,” Ms. Rayl said. “This program reimburses school faculty for out-ofpocket expenses for disadvantaged students.”
They also help out at non-profit organizations in a few different ways as well. Mr. Rayl’s love for Halloween inspired the HalloWin Race, the 5k run, and the One-Mile Fun Run was suggested by the Rayl Charitable Organization’s Vice President and the HalloWin Chair Tara Dimengo Bryant.
To participate in just the 5K trail run is $30, for the One-Mile Fun Run it is $15. For a bundle, it is $40. The 5K’s annual run reaches about 150 people and gains more yearly, and costumes are encouraged. The run lasts about three hours and has money prizes for coming in first through third place. The One-Mile Fun Run is more of a leisurely experience, where people are also encouraged to wear costumes and there are candy stops on the mile; about 500 participants in total.
“RCO strives to net between $40K-$50K each year,” Mrs. Rayl said. “RCO’s Board of Directors feels grateful to be able to have the opportunity to provide funding for our Kindness for Kids Program and support our local communities.” One of the participants this year was 2024 Hoover graduate and former Viking Views staffer Arabella Keim, who participated in the 5K run.
“I had a very good experience while running,” Keim said. “While we were running, we cheered people on and they cheered for us.”
Being motivated to participate in the event by her friend, Hoover junior and Viking Views Business Manager Irene Warner [below, pictured right with Keim], she had a wonderful, but tiring time. Sustaining a concussion the month before, Keim didn’t let that stop her, and continued to train for the trail run.
“I think events like this help benefit the community because it allows the community to get involved and connect with each other,” she said.
Keim also appreciates the Rayl Charitable Organization and the Debbie Rayl Kindness of Kids Program, as it helps out disadvantaged students in nearby school districts. She encourages others to participate next year.
“Looking into the future of this event, I see that it is a great event that helps and connects the community,”she said. “If you want to participate…participate. Go for it and don’t be scared to do it!”
