Run for Rocky brings in more than $100k for LGBT charities

The fifth annualRun for Rocky raised more than $104,000 for LGBT programs in Windsor, including funding to support Gay Straight Alliances (GSAs) in schools and support for Windsor Pride.

• Campana family hopes last Run for Rocky marks new beginning for Windsor LGBT community

This year will mark the last Run for Rocky.According to organizers, they have raised atotal of$383,000 over the past five years, with Windsor Pride receiving25% of that funding.

The annual event was organized by Rocky Campana's parents Rob and Nancy after the young man fromLaSalletook his own life. Rocky wanted his organs donated, but his wish was deniedhis family believes it's because he was gay.

His parents chose to direct funding towards programs for LGBTyouth in Windsor-Essex, focusing on GSAs.

"When I started approaching people saying we were raising money forGSAsin high schools, people were sort of looking at me like 'What's a GSA?'" said Rob in an interview with CBC Radio's Windsor Morningprior to the 2017 event."It'samazing how the community embraced it and ran with it."

Beforethis year's run was completed,Nancy Campanatold CBC News she estimated they would raise$75,000 in 2017.

The family said they always plannedto end the run after five years, so the event could end on a high note and wouldn't be a burden on friends and local businesses.