Kelly Ricker

ALBION – A community event on June 25 will celebrate the life of Kelly Ricker and also raise funds for a scholarship in her name at Albion Central School.

West Bank Street will be closed that day to traffic from Main to Liberty streets for dance performances, food trucks and other events including a live auction where people can bid on services provided by community members. People are asked to sign up for offering a talent – it could be yard work, washing a car, a photo session, a home-cooked meal, handyman repairs, babysitting or many other options, said Amy Sidari, Gotta Dance owner. (Click here for more information.)  Email [email protected] or call & leave message 585-354-2320

Her studio will host a basket auction that day. Ricker for 25 years worked alongside Sidari as stage manager. Ricker was critical in making the many recitals go smoothly, Sidari said.

“She was such an important part of the community,” Sidari said. “She was so committed behind the scenes. You didn’t realize because everything was so perfect but she was right there behind the scenes.”

Ricker passed away at age 50 on Oct. 10 after a fight with cancer. A 1989 graduate of Albion, Ricker was a lifeguard at Albion for more than 30 years and was the school’s assistant swim coach.

She was an active Girt Scout leader, assisting girls including her daughter Laiken. For 15 years she was actively involved with the board for Sandstone Park. Her son Patrick played on the team for many years. She also was very involved at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Albion.

“Kelly Ricker connected people, took the time to know them, and was always willing to help,” Sidari said. “She volunteered so much of her life selflessly.”

Proceeds from the June 25 event will go to Kelly Ricker Memorial Scholarship. The first scholarship for $1,250 will be awarded in June to a graduating senior who demonstrated a passion for swimming by striving to be their best through hard work and dedication to the swim team.

Sidari said the acts of service that will be up for bid on June 25 are a fitting tribute to Ricker who was a key volunteer to many organizations in Albion.

“She was always giving of herself,” Sidari said. “She just loved people.”