MPO: Most Proud Of

I don't want to include links to the story because I don't want to directly name where I work...but it wouldn't be hard to google it. Honestly. Anyway, here's a follow-up story to an article I previously wrote.


July 10, 2010


Riley Sharpe's death prompts flood of support

Driadonna Roland
Staff Writer

The family of 3-year-old Riley Sharpe will never forget their "angel," who died July 1 after being hit by a vehicle in front of her home on Jay Street.

They also won't soon forget the support of the Rochester community, whose donations paid for the costs associated with Riley's funeral and burial Thursday.

After hearing news reports about the accident, several people came forward to offer the family help with funeral expenses.

"There's a lot of love in this community," said Jamie Sharpe, Riley's mother.

"There's so many people that I have to thank, words can't even express."

On Friday a couple from West Irondequoit spoke with Riley's family and learned the cemetery plot would cost $1,150.

The couple sent a card with a check inside for that amount the same day.

One of the owners of Chester's Check Cashing Center on Broad Street also contacted Riley's family to see what their needs were.

Matching all the donations taken over the Fourth of July weekend, Chester's Check Cashing on Tuesday presented $2,720 to Sharpe — enough to cover funeral parlor costs — along with a floral arrangement created by a customer.

Sharpe said she has seen many similar examples of the generosity of Rochester residents. She said the day after news spread of Riley's death, strangers began coming by with donations and condolences.

"One lady came up and donated $1,000 cash," Sharpe said.

The woman did not leave her name.

The pain is still fresh, but Sharpe said she wants to find a way to thank everyone after things have calmed down a bit.

"I have to find some way to thank everyone for all the prayers, the love and the support," she said.