CLEVELAND, July 5 — Tragedy has touched the BLET National Division in Cleveland.
In the early morning hours of Saturday, July 1, 2007, BLET employee Tonya Marrhoubi received the worst news a young mother could possibly learn — her four and a half month old baby girl, Amanda, died suddenly and unexpectedly.
Tonya, 31, currently serves the BLET as the Executive Assistant for First Vice-President Ed Rodzwicz. She has worked for the organization since December of 2001.
“All of this comes as a great shock to the organization and its employees,” BLET National President Don Hahs said. “We are deeply saddened by this tragedy and extend deepest sympathies to Tonya and her family.”
In an effort to help Tonya through this unimaginably difficult time, BLET National Secretary-Treasurer Bill Walpert established a fund to help defray funeral expenses, hospital bills, and other personal expenses that might arise. The fund would not be used for litigation or legal fees.
Walpert said the BLET National Division has already made a donation of $500 to the fund.
Donations can be made at the Key Bank downtown branch or any nearby Key branch office. Checks should be made out to the Tonya Marrhoubi fund. No bank receipts will be given to avoid providing anyone with account information.
Out of town members and officers can donate by mailing a check to the National Division, which will handle making the deposit. Checks should be made payble to “Tonya Marrhoubi Fund” and mailed to:
BLET National Division
Tonya Marrhoubi Fund
1370 Ontario St., Mezzanine
Cleveland, OH 44113-1702
“No words can express the heartfelt sorrow felt by the officers and staff of the BLET,” Walpert said. “We can only hope our small gesture will help make things easier for Tonya during this incredibly difficult time.”