Mike and Kelli Jach, Keith Klodnick and Meghan McNamara

Olidia Burns, Ed McNamara and Jessica Kompan

John Burnett, Amy Fritz, Ali Arko and Keller Sehringer

The Sunflower Wine Festival, one of Cleveland’s premier summer attractions, drew close to 4,000 attendees to the Depot Street area in Rocky River.
Guests enjoyed tastings from nationally renowned wineries and craft breweries as they dined on gourmet treats from Old River restaurants and food trucks, and enjoyed live music from Ed Purcell, Filler and others.
“The Sunflower Wine Festival has grown exponentially since 2010, a fact that underscores what a unique and important event it is,” said Ed McNamara, Prayers from Maria Foundation co-founder. “We consider it is a true partnership between the community and Prayers from Maria and are grateful to everyone who supports our efforts to bring better treatments to children battling this deadly disease.”
“It is easy to thank the big names and our sponsors publicly, but it is the little things that count and all of our many volunteers who are appreciated. We couldn’t do this without them,” he noted.
Prayers from Maria Children’s Cancer Foundation is dedicated to funding global research into the causes, prevention, treatments and cure for the deadliest childhood brain tumors. The annual Sunflower Wine Festival builds awareness about childhood brain tumors and funds promising research with results. Prayers from Maria’s efforts have resulted in more than $8 million going to fight against childhood brain cancer. This year’s event raised more than $100,000. For more information about Prayers from Maria, visit www.prayersfrommaria.org. STORY BY CYNTHIA SCHUSTER EAKIN/PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC EAKIN