On April 9th, Running for Tom @ A.J. Rocco's will raise funds to defray the costs of the severe brain trauma that Tom Driscoll sustained in a 2009 car accident. (pictured above are the Driscoll Family: Tom, his wife Mary Therese and their children)

Clarification: This blog entry was originally posted on Sunday evening; however, due to changes in the event that came out after it was written, it’s being reposted with the new details. If you read the initial post over the weekend, please note that the venue has now changed to A.J. Rocco’s in Downtown Cleveland.

***

I started Clue Into Cleveland so that I could learn about and share ways to explore the city.  While I enjoy writing about what’s going on around Cleveland, it makes me happier to blog about an event that’s not only a fun night out, but also supports a worthy cause in our community.

Because of this, I was thankful when Joe Lucci and Mark Olies reached out to me with information about April 9th’s Running for Tom , an event at A.J. Rocco’s in Downtown Cleveland to raise funds for a local family.

Tom and Mary Therese Driscoll grew up in Cleveland and met at St. Ignatius High School. They were high school sweethearts who got married, moved to Youngstown, and became an active part of the community. Throughout 25 years of marriage, they had 14 children, currently ranging in age from 5-26.

When Tom took a job in New York City, he didn’t want to uproot his family so he decided to commute between New York and Cleveland for work.

On January 25th, 2009, Tom was commuting home to celebrate Mary Therese’s birthday. Mary Therese spoke to him on the phone at 6:27 that evening. Seven minutes later, he was involved in a four-car accident on I-80 in Hubbard.

In addition to a broken jaw, cheekbone and ribs, Tom also suffered severe brain trauma. The trauma left him in a coma.

Joe and Mark, who have been friends with the Driscolls since St. Ignatius, describe the family’s resolve as undeniable. And although Tom eventually awoke from the coma, the injuries he sustained require constant medical care.

Because of this, Joe and Mark – as well as Tom’s other friends and family – are trying to raise money to help defray some of the medical costs the Driscoll’s have incurred. One of the ways they’re hoping to raise these vital funds is by hosting Running for Tom @ A.J. Rocco’s.

The event is taking place at A.J. Rocco’s on April 9th starting at 6:30 pm. There will be free food, reduced drink specials, and Celebrity Bartenders who will be donating all of their tips to the Driscolls. There will also be 50/50 and gift basket raffles to raise more proceeds. It’s part of an overall fundraising plan being spearheaded by Mark’s participation in this year’s Cincinnati Marathon.

With drinks and free food, there will be plenty of good times to be had in the name of a good cause. However, if you’re unable to attend, you can directly mail a donation to:

Driscoll Family Fund
C/O Chase Bank
380 Boardman Canfield Road
Youngstown, OH 44512

(checks should be made payable to: The Driscoll Family Fund)

RSVP and learn more at the Running for Tom @ A.J. Rocco’s event page on Facebook.