Q: Where were you raised and why did you decide to stay in the Dayton area?
Amber: I was raised in the Old North Dayton area and graduated from Stivers High School. Ryan grew up in Vandalia and graduated from Butler High School. We met in the Education Department at Wright State University. After we were married, we decided to raise our children in Vandalia because it's a smaller community, and our family lives close by. Ryan coaches Varsity football at Butler, and I teach first grade at Demmitt Elementary.
Q: Why did you decide to honor your mother’s memory through the Rebecca Bone Pelfrey Memorial Fund?
Ryan: The fund was started in 2010, two years after my mom passed away from breast cancer. She was a strong woman who fought 12 long years battling cancer. Our fund honors her memory with many activities, one being our annual Bec's Bunch Remembrance 5K. We use the proceeds to support Pink Ribbon Girls, which assists women with breast and other reproductive cancers, the Spielman Foundation and to provide scholarships in her memory. Heather Salazar, executive director of Pink Ribbon Girls, was a close friend to my mom, and we believe strongly in its motto - no one travels this road alone. The support she received from everyone inspired us to do the same for others.
Q: When did the Bec’s Bunch Remembrance 5K start, and how many people participate?
Amber: This year is our 6th annual Remembrance 5K. The name Bec's Bunch was started by my brother-in-law, Chris, as a Relay for Life Team in Cincinnati, so we decided to continue the name for our event in Vandalia. Over the last six years we have had about 1,500 runners, and we expect around 350 runners and walkers this year. We start the run with a balloon launch honoring those who are battling or have battled cancer. Last year we added a Kids Fun Run and other kids' activities, including face painting and a balloon artist. It's truly a family event.
Q: Do you host any other fundraising activities for the fund?
Ryan: We do small fundraising activities outside of the 5K. My brother, Chris, and his family volunteer with the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati. It's one of our 5K's biggest monetary sponsors. My father, also known as Pel, puts on "Pelapalooza" in September. It's a fun night of raffles, music and food for our family and friends.
Q: How did your mother influence you personally in your desire to give to charity?
Ryan: My mother always supported others in need and volunteered her time for local activities and church functions. She focused on building relationships with people and encouraged me to do the same. She also had a great support team of close family and friends who helped her during her battle with cancer. All of that influenced my desire to start the 5K and give back.
Q: How would you describe your relationship with The Dayton Foundation?
Ryan: We have a very positive relationship with The Dayton Foundation. We started the Rebecca Bone Pelfrey Memorial Fund as a Charitable Checking AccountSM through the Foundation in the hopes that they could help handle our charitable donations. Since then, we have worked out a plan to build towards an endowment fund that will provide scholarships in my mom's memory in perpetuity.
Q: What inspires you about this community?
Amber: Vandalia is a community that is small enough for you to build relationships with your neighbors. We know each other by name and have made fun memories together. The people look after each other and pull together when times get tough. Our street is full of children who attend the same school and ride their bikes together once they're home. I look forward to watching our children grow up in such a friendly, supportive community.
Q: What advice can you share about giving to the community?
Amber: We truly believe that what you give is what you get. There are many opportunities in the schools and local churches to give back monetarily or with your time. Take advantage of those moments when you feel the desire to help. Don't hope or expect that someone else will do it. One day, you may be on the other side and need someone to do the same for you. One of my goals for 2016 is to leave a legacy for those around me, especially my children who watch every move I make.
Q: How can others support or learn more about Bec’s Bunch Remembrance 5K?
Ryan:
Anyone can support us by attending our 5K and Kids Fun Run on Saturday, July 16 at Helke Park in Vandalia. More information is available on our website, www.rebeccapelfreyfoundation.com, or on our Facebook page at
We always are looking for new ways to support our cause and new faces to be a part of our team!
Q: How would you complete this sentence, “My giving makes me feel____”?
… that we are paying forward and impacting the lives of people in need.
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