Skip To Main Content

Lake Erie College

THE OFFICIAL SITE OF LAKE ERIE COLLEGE STORM ATHLETICS LAKE ERIE COLLEGE STORM ATHLETICS
Wrestling 24 in 24

Storm Wrestling Gives Back at The 24 in 24 Fundraising Event

PAINESVILLE, Ohio – The Lake Erie College wrestling team took its commitment to teamwork and service beyond the mat, volunteering at the 12th annual 24 in 24 fundraising event, which raised an impressive $615,000 for Workshop of Wishes.

Held on October 3, The 24 in 24 is a unique endurance fundraiser presented by Clean Eatz. Participants take on the challenge of completing one mile every hour, on the hour, for 24 consecutive hours. The event supports children battling life-threatening illnesses and brings together participants, volunteers, sponsors, and community members for a cause that reaches far beyond the physical challenge.

Founded in 2015 by Northeast Ohio native Anna Dey, The 24 in 24 has become a major charitable event in the region. Since its inception, it has raised millions of dollars to support local children and families facing life-threatening medical conditions.

The 2026 event benefited Workshop of Wishes, a nonprofit that grants meaningful wishes to children in Northeast Ohio facing life-threatening illnesses. Through its work, the organization has helped hundreds of children and families find moments of joy during some of their most difficult times.

While participants demonstrated their endurance throughout the 24-hour challenge, the Storm wrestling team made its impact behind the scenes by helping with the event's teardown.

After many organizers had worked for more than 24 hours, the wrestlers arrived ready for the physically demanding cleanup. They hauled equipment, dismantled event setups, lifted and loaded materials, and helped organize them, bringing energy, determination, and a willingness to pitch in wherever needed.

Event organizers did not miss their efforts, reaching out to personally thank the team and the wrestling program for their contributions.

"Your guys brought exactly what we needed for teardown: absolute energy, muscle, and a willingness to jump in and work," an event organizer shared. "They worked hard, worked fast, and brought such great energy with them."

The team's arrival brought much-needed relief to organizers and volunteers, who had spent countless hours making the event a success. Their efficient teamwork helped bring the weekend to a close.

"Your team was a huge and vital part of helping us bring it across the finish line," the organizer added. "They represented Lake Erie College and your program incredibly well, and I hope they know just how appreciated they were."

For the Storm wrestling program, the opportunity was about more than volunteering at an event. It offered a chance to support a meaningful cause and demonstrate the values of leadership, service, and teamwork that reach beyond collegiate athletics.

Although they contributed during the event's final stages, the wrestlers played an important role in the success of a weekend devoted to making a difference in the lives of children and families throughout Northeast Ohio.

With $615,000 raised for Workshop of Wishes, the 2026 The 24 in 24 event demonstrated the impact a community can make when individuals come together for a shared purpose.

Through their hard work and willingness to serve, the Lake Erie College wrestling team demonstrated that the dedication and teamwork built through athletics can make an equally meaningful impact off the mat.
Print Friendly Version

Related Videos

Related Stories