Benefit for Family of Triathlete Derek Valentino on October 16th

PROSPECT PARK, PA -  A benefit “Beef ‘N Beer” style event has been announced to help the family of Derek Valentino, the first time triathlete who drowned in the Schuylkill River during a triathlon on June 26, 2010.   The event will be held on Saturday October 16, 2010 at The Deck at Harbor Pointe in Essington, PA from 2pm – 6pm.  It will feature a buffet, two hour open bar, silent auction, raffles, DJ, and 50/50.  The silent auction will include items appealing to  triathletes,  music and sports enthusiasts including tickets to sporting events and hotel stays.

The silent auction is featuring a Fuji Aloha 2.0, an entry level triathlon bike that Slowtwitch has called, “pretty sexy.”  The bike, which has a MSRP of $1389.00 will be offered for auction on eBay as well as at the benefit in October.  The link to the auction is currently at www.valentinomemorialfund.org.  Other items available at the silent auction will be wetsuits by Zoot Sports, pedals from Sampson Sports, bike accessories from TNI and Sampson, a suit from Olympian Sarah Haskins, running shoes from Asics and Scott, cycle wear donated by Cycle Fit in Wallingford, PA, and books and DVDs signed by Joe Friel.

Derek, a hero to his family, friends, co-workers, and community trained for over a year to compete in the triathlon.  He was a dedicated father to his two boys and husband.  He coached sports teams for Folcroft, PA and coached for Norwood, PA.  He was a letter carrier for 20 years for the Postal Service. Despite his filled schedule,  he always had time to spend with his boys.  His spirit has inspired the Valentino Memorial committee to coin the phrase, “TRI Harder – Be A Local Hero” to describe Derek.   T-shirts and wristbands imprinted with the phrase will be available at this event.

Proceeds from the event will go to the Valentino Memorial Fund, a fund designated to help with the future expenses of Derek’s two sons, Ryan and Jordan.

Tickets to the event are $35 for adults when bought in advance and $40 at the door of the event.  Tickets for those under 21 are $25.  Tickets are available at the Valentino Memorial Fund website at valentinomemorialfund.org, by phone via Barb Hallowell at 484-494-0802 or by email by contacting valentinomemorialfund@gmail.com.

Further information regarding this and future fundraising events can be found at the Valentino Memorial Fund website, valentinomemorialfund.org.