The Run For Rocky took place annually starting in April of 2013 for 5 years until April of 2017. The fundraising efforts during this time established the Run for Rocky Legacy Fund that supports Gay Straight Alliance Clubs in local Grade schools (Senior years) high schools and post-secondary schools in Windsor-Essex County. This financial support includes GSA grants, GSA scholarships, funds students and educators to go to GSA educational conferences, supplies educational resources that help support parents and educators, provides a GSA Toolkit with Booster Boxes yearly for GSA Educational Leaders and accommodates Diversity Training for educators. After a 5 year hiatus and by popular demand the Run for Rocky 5km run/3 km walk returned in August of 2022 in conjunction with the Windsor-Essex PrideFest. The event takes place along the beautiful Windsor Waterfront from Dieppe Gardens to the Ambassador Bridge. With an incomparable view of the Detroit River and Skyline along this route this is one of the most beautiful Pride run/walk events in Ontario.
The Run for Rocky Legacy Project also continues to collect donations and sanction approved third party events to ensure the legacy of this event continues and the funding model remains intact. The proceeds for of the Run for Rocky event continue to support the Run for Rocky funding model as well as help support partner 2SLGBTQI+ agencies in the region including Windsor Pride Community, Windsor-Essex Pride Fest and Trans Wellness Ontario. The funding portion given to each of these agencies through the Run for Rocky Legacy Fund is used only for counselling support and educational services.
As a family we understand that the Run for Rocky has helped to make great change in the acceptance of LGBTQ diversity in our community. The legacy of Rocky’s life and his advocacy work will live on with the continuation of this fund. Our community, schools, homes and workplaces have become more accepting and open places. There is greater support and services for those who are LGBTQ and live and work in the area. We understand how important this support is to businesses, families and educators in our community. The difference Run for Rocky has made now allows for the LGBTQ community to run with the torch and to continue the advocacy work with a stronger voice than in the past. Run for Rocky funding will continue for years to come to reinforce these efforts and ensure both students and educators are supported in our community.
History
Run for Rocky is a charity run/walk in Windsor Ontario which is inspired by Rocky Campana who passed away in 2012 after attempting to take his own life. The Campana Family, along with the Windsor Pride Community, wanted to share Rocky’s story. Through their collaboration, they have been able to fund GSAs in the local high school and post-secondary school systems, ensuring that parents, educators and youth have the knowledge and funding needed to help create Safe Schools, and creating a support system for youth in times of crisis. Rocky paved the path to make a difference while living, and the Run for Rocky Legacy Fund will continue to make a significant difference in his absence for years to come.
