Sunday, June 10, 2012

Lehigh Valley Community Benefit will focus on aiding Werkheiser, Lasso families

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/northampton-county/index.ssf/2012/06/lehigh_valley_community_benefi.html FROM THE EXPRESS TIMES For the third year in a row, a group of Lehigh Valley volunteers are helping area families cope with the loss of their loved ones in murders that shook the community. Rick Nauman and his girlfriend Tricia Brown, both of Catasauqua, first formed the idea for a motorcycle ride and picnic fundraiser following the quadruple homicide in Northampton that has landed Michael Ballard on death row. Formerly known as the Merhi-Zernhelt Benefit, this year’s fundraiser is named the Lehigh Valley Community Benefit. The event started as a way to help the loved ones of murder victims Denise Merhi, her father Dennis Marsh, her grandfather Alvin Marsh and neighbor Steven Zernhelt. This year, the event will focus on aiding the Werkheiser family, who lost Mark Werkheiser in March after his estranged girlfriend allegedly shot him to death in his home. Mark Werkheiser's brother, Ron, said the support that the family has experienced since his brother's death has been unreal. "Amazing isn't a big enough word for the love and support we've felt from the community," the 39-year-old said. "I get chills when I talk about it." The family of slain Freemansburg police officer Robert Lasso will also benefit. The Merhi and Zernholt families will see some of the proceeds, Nauman said. “We all decided it was time for this benefit to move on and help other families,” Nauman said. “Every one of them is a tragedy.” The event is slated for Saturday at the Tri-Boro Sportsman’s Club in Northampton.

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