The memory of an Aspinwall boy is being kept alive in his community.

The first ElijahFest 5K and Field Day is set for July 12, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Ben Killian Ball Fields in Aspinwall. The event will benefit the Elijah Straw Memorial Fund and Aspinwall Riverfront Park. The fund is named after Elijah Straw, 6, who was killed in a car crash in 2012.

Soon after his death, his family started the memorial fund. It presents the Elijah Straw Helping Hands Award every nine weeks to a student at O'Hara Elementary School. The winner is honored for good citizenship and kindness and receives a gift certificate to Barnes & Noble, an award certificate and a donation made in his or her name to a local charity the student chooses.

The event will help fund that program and others, Tom Straw, Elijah's father, said.

“We want to keep our son's name alive,” Straw said.

The event is being organized with the help of Positive Movementz, an organization that helps plan events for nonprofit groups. TJ Burke, events director, said just less than 100 people have registered so far. He expects about 50 more to sign up the day of the event.

“I think we'll be at the mark where we want to be,” Burke said.

The 5K will start at 10 a.m. The race will begin at Field Avenue, continue to Lexington Avenue and loop around twice. A “fun run” for children will take place at the field after the 5K. The field also will feature activities for children, including face painting, whiffle ball, fire vehicles and literacy programs.

A barbecue at the field will add to what Burke described as a “cookout” vibe. Various items also will be raffled off.

Straw said he is hopeful for a good turnout. He said the family hopes to expand the memorial fund and Helping Hands Award as more money is raised.

“We want to start doing it in other schools in the district,” Straw said.

For information on the event and registration, see positivemovementz.com/event/elijahfest-5k-field-day or the event's Facebook page.

Tom McGee is an associate editor for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 412-856-7400, ext. 1513, or tmcgee@tribweb.com.

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