Clyde native Cliff Moore's run raises thousands for veterans mental health
CLYDE ― A 100-mile run Friday and Saturday from Cleveland to Clyde by Dr. Clifford Moore D.D.S. of Columbus raised more than $35,000 for The Suicide and Trauma Reduction Initiative for Veterans, an in-patient facility based at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, far exceeding his goal of $20, 000.
Moore concluded his run from Cleveland, arriving at the Clyde Veterans Memorial at 3:25 p.m. Saturday, passing under a giant American flag suspended from the Clyde Fire Department ladder truck. He was greeted by more than 65 friends, family and members of Clyde VFW Post 3343 and the VFW Honors Band and Guard, which fired a one-gun salute as he crossed the finish line.
Clyde VFW wraps up evening with fireworks
The event was topped off at Clyde VFW Post 3343, which collected checks from various groups, held raffles and donated $10,000. Mo Marks, VFW Post 3343 trustee, said, '"We're hoping to donate around $40,000 when we are done."
S.T.R.I.V.E. donations were presented to Moore at the VFW by his father, the commander, including $5,470 from a neighboring VFW post. An undisclosed amount was promised by the VFW of Ohio and several hundred dollars were received from raffles, drawings and personal donations.
"After 8 p.m. we did have fireworks," Marks said about finishing the evening.
Moore shared that the 100-mile run was a challenging run, often against the wind, running on the Northcoast Inland Trail, stopping at a dozen veterans’ monuments to pay tribute.
Bellevue Police aided Moore passing through their city
As they neared Bellevue VFW Post 1238, Moore wondered how he could safely cross U.S. 20. His father, Brian Moore, commander of the Clyde VFW, contacted the Bellevue Police Department for assistance. They closed the road so Moore could safely cross.
Cliff Moore’s wife served as crew chief and his stepfather, Steve Keown, supported Cliff as his “pack mule,” by riding bicycle alongside Cliff for the final 71 miles, often slowing his riding time to 5 mph to keep pace.
“The wind was brutal,” Keown said, "but I had it easier than Cliff did.”
They spent the midpoint of the run in a hotel at Oberlin Friday night. Moore later thanked all who supported him, especially those who met him at the crossroads to cheer him on as he neared the end of his run. Saturday's events downtown and at the VFW post were coordinated by Bob Milleson and Mo Marks. The auxiliary provided food.
After the run, during the celebration at the VFW, Moore received a proclamation from Mayor Doug McCauley, proclaiming April 20 as S.T.R.I.V.E. Day. McCauley had also coached Moore in track at Clyde High School, stating how proud he was of him.
Preview: Clyde native to run 100-mile Tribute Trail for Heroes in 2 days to honor, assist veterans
Moore thanked his dad for his hard work in organizing the event, saying he had set an example for him by doing for others. His mom, Millie Bouyack Keown, did graphic work for fliers promoting the event.
Moore was modest about his fundraising. “It is not about me, this is for them who serve,” he said, thanking God.
Moore had served four years in the Navy, which funded his dentistry education. It was also reported that he treats veterans for free on Veterans Day.
Jeanette Liebold Ricker writes about Clyde and Green Springs. Contact her at 419-547-8177 or by email at jeanette.ricker@gmail.com. Rebecca Brooks contributed to the article.
This article originally appeared on Fremont News-Messenger: Clyde OH native Cliff Moore's 100-mile run raises funds for veterans
