ROANOKE TIMES 
                      Copyright (c) 1995, Roanoke Times

DATE: Thursday, December 14, 1995            TAG: 9512140031
SECTION: VIRGINIA                 PAGE: C-1  EDITION: METRO 
COLUMN: the good neighbors fund


DEATH OF A STRANGER INSPIRES COUPLE'S GIFT

Leonard and Gerri Rorer of Salem never met Alexander DeFilippis.

But the story of his tragic death moved them to donate money in his name to the Good Neighbors Fund.

The recent abduction and killing of the 22-year-old DeFilippis in Blacksburg reminded the Rorers that "it could have been any of our children."

Vanessa, one of the Rorers' daughters, graduated from Tech in May and used to shop at the convenience store where the abduction occurred.

In the note that accompanied their donation, the Rorers explained their reason for giving in the name of a stranger:

"Such exciting times for us and many others this holiday season, but for this young man's family ... heartache and grief.

"So in his memory, may someone's groceries for the week be bought or their water bill paid."

Wednesday's contributors included:

The Rorer family, in memory of Alexander DeFilippis

The law offices of Copenhaver, Ellett & Cornelison, and Koiner and A.B. Ellett, in memory of Florence and Burrell Stiff

Jeanette J. Garner, in memory of Grover Giles and T.J. Gleeson

Kenneth and Tobie Bentz, on behalf of the George B. Hall family

Lucile S. Turner, in honor of her sisters and brothers

Debi, Frank, Megan and Matt Tinsley, in memory of George Phillips

Kenneth R. Arritt Jr.

Ruby R. LaRue

Faye Kincer

Windsor Hills United Methodist Church youth and children, in memory of Dustin Washburn

Disciples Class, Bonsack United Methodist Church

John and Kay Allen, in honor of Nancy Ayling and Dr. Gerald Roller

Merritt Nichols, in honor of Kipper and Mary Nottingham and our Webelos den

Mary Kellen Nichols, in honor of Miss Liz and Miss Joan and all my friends at Noah's Landing

Kay Grundkowski, in memory of her father, E.B. "Johnny" Arrington

Mary Jaye, Jay, Mary Margaret and Emily Morgan, in memory of Jim Morgan

W.B. Wilhelm

Kristi Lamanca, in memory of my husband, Dave Lamanca

William J. Bova, in memory of W.C. Bova

Ethridge Bible Class and Defender Bible Class at Raleigh Court Presbyterian Church

Jimmy and Patsy Jenkins, in honor of the Rev. David Miller and all our friends at First Church of the Brethren

Esther Class at Grandin Court Baptist Church, in honor of Hazel Secrist and Fran Stover

Virginia M. Barnett, in memory of her brother, Herbert C. McGuire

Mary Pat Shank

Margaret and Harold Oxley, in memory of their daughter, Betty Jo Dillon

Stephen and Jean Weatherman and family, in memory of their son, Zachary

Charles H. Snead, in memory of Charles J. Snead

James G. Tapley

Gene and Velma Meador, in memory of Ellen Jackson

W.M. Westerman

Bill and Helen Ammen, in honor of "Crestmoor" neighbors

Harry F. Belcher, in memory of his grandson, Chip Mason

Debbie Halstrom, in memory of her mother, Judy S. Halstrom

Mr. and Mrs. W.B. Overstreet

Mary S. Halley

Marianne and Wayne Gandee, in honor of Sandy, Martin, Taylor, Lauren and Claire Willis

Buck and Robbin Baker

Dr. and Mrs. Arthur Kunkle

John and Jerrie Frye, in memory of John P. Frye Sr.

Ann Splitstone

Martha and Mary Harrison, in memory of their husband and father, Jack Garland Harrison

Homer and Aldene Reed, in memory of Essie Reed

Inge Birkenmaier, in memory of her husband, Ollie Birkenmaier

Anita Wiggins, in memory of Wilson Wiggins Sr.

Joyce and Harley Crawford

Morris and Ina Saunders

Tom and Jenny Sease

Marion Avery, in memory of Charles Lunsford and in honor of Julie Hollingsworth

Phyllis Cundiff, in honor of Grandin Court Elementary School staff

Lewis Kugler, in memory of Grady W. Spiegel Jr.

Friendship Class at Raleigh Court United Methodist Church

Bonnie Sink, in honor of Coed Class and Adult C. Department at Grandin Court Baptist Church

In honor of Coed Class and Adult C. Department at Grandin Court Baptist Church

Hilda, in memory of her parents

In memory of Arthur Powell

ANONYMOUS DONATIONS$175.00

SUBTOTAL$3,114.00

TOTAL AS OF 12/13/95$45,450.24

Checks should be made payable to Good Neighbors Fund and mailed to The Roanoke Times, P.0. Box 1951, Roanoke 24008.

Names - but not amounts of donations - of contributing businesses, individuals or organizations, as well as memorial and honorific designations, will be listed in the newspaper. Those requesting that their names not be used will remain anonymous. If no preference is stated, the donor's name will be listed.

Gifts cannot be earmarked for any particular individual or family. Gifts are tax-deductible.


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