A Relay for Shea will be held tomorrow at Staunton High School to raise funds for repairing of the Shea House at the Fairview Cemetery.
Fairview Cemetery, across from Staunton‘s main United States Post Office on Lambert Street, is the city’s largest Black cemetery.
The relay-style fundraiser will be fun for all walking abilities. Registration will be 7 to 7:30 a.m. and the relay begins at 8 a.m.
Home to caretakers of the cemetery for several decades, the Shea House was originally built in 1871 and has fallen into disrepair. A group of volunteers is working to raise funds to restore the historic building.
According to Staunton City Council member Blake Shepherd, many of the structures on site have disappeared and their stories are recognized now only by markers and books, but the community has an opportunity to come together to restore and preserve part of Staunton‘s history.
“There are so many good reasons to invest in preserving the historical fabric of Staunton. It strengthens our city through education, understanding our mistakes, mourning our losses, celebrating our growth and giving Virginia lovers of history yet another reason to visit our incredible city,” Shepherd said.
He hopes that other members of the community will support the Shea House by investing in improving and growing the community.
Online donations are accepted on Facebook through Shea House Foundation, but cash or check will also be accepted on site. Checks should be made to The Community Foundation. The cost is $25 per adult and $10 per child under age 18.
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Staunton fundraiser will collect donations to restore Shea House in Fairview Cemetery
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Rebecca Barnabi
