Community shows support through 5K race benefiting Chasing Dreams for Chase Yarns Memorial Scholarship

CLARKS SUMMIT — On a beautiful Saturday, Sept. 14, approximately 350 people attended the inaugural Chasing Dreams for Chase Yarns 5K Run/2-Mile Walk at the Abington Heights Middle School grounds. This event supports the Chasing Dreams for Chase Yarns Memorial Scholarship, which benefits scholarships for Abington Heights students who participate in cross country or track and have a part-time job, through the Scranton Area Community Foundation. It is in memory of Chase Yarns, son of Clarks Summit police chief Chris Yarns and Amy.

Chase, who passed away in June 2024 at age 26, was a proud graduate of Abington Heights High School (Class of 2016), where he ran cross country and track with his quadruplet siblings. He also ran in middle school and college.

When Scott Thorpe, a friend of the Yarns family, reached out to honor Chase’s spirit, the family knew a 5K was the perfect way to celebrate his passion for running. Their neighborhood, Mountain Meadows, came together to form a committee, which was chaired by Vince Maletta, to begin the Chasing Dreams for Chase Yarns 5K Run/ 2-Mile Walk. The neighbors even made a sign that read “Mountain Meadows Loves Chase.”

291 people registered to either run or walk in the event. The race was directed by Abington Heights’ head cross country/track & field coach Frank Passetti, who coordinated with the school district and maintenance team. Lisa Imbriaco, of Finish Strong Race Timing, clocked the results of the runners and walkers in many age divisions.

Bobby Sheils, of Clarks Summit, became the overall male runner with a time of 19:50.

“I was really excited to participate in the race in memory of Chase for the Chase Yarns Scholarship Fund,” he said. “I was really honored to be the male overall winner for the inaugural race.”

Ally Christman, of Clarks Summit, was the overall female runner with a time of 23:13. Mike Hanf, of Clarks Summit, was the male overall walker with 26:57. Lisa Salerno was the overall female walker with 26:39.

Ann and Steve Sanok directed the raffle baskets, which also raised funds for the scholarship. Food was provided at the event by Revello’s Pizza Truck and Manning’s Mobile Ice Cream Shoppe. Steve Tolerico, of idIQ, created the event’s logo and sign design. Other vendors and partners include Taryn Wells Photography, DJ Kevin Baumes, and the Abington Heights XC Team. Volunteers of the day include Tom Pattison, Nicole Kelly, Jennifer Basalyga, Nicole Fabricatore, Pat & Kris Salmon, Carol Chisdak, Kim McHale, and Maureen McLaughlin.

The event ended when DJ Baumes played a recording of Chase, who was also a self-taught guitarist, performing Take Me Home, Country Roads.

Plans are underway to continue the event annually for at least four more years. Possibly, it will also have a kids’ fun run.

“My husband and I, along with our family, were deeply touched by the outpouring of love and support surrounding the 5K event,” said Amy. “From friends, neighbors, and family members to Chase’s friends, local businesses, and even people we had never met who shared how Chase had been there for them in times of need. Every message, donation, raffle basket, volunteer effort, and sponsorship meant the world to us. It was incredibly moving to see our community come together to help keep our beautiful son’s spirit alive through his memorial scholarship. We are forever grateful to everyone who helped make the day so meaningful.”