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Jessie Games celebrate avid runner’s life

By Eleanor Bailey almanac Sports Editor ebailey@thealmanac.Net 3 min read
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Jessie Smith’s family are pictured at one of the previous games held in her honor. From left are: (brothers) Peter and Eli, (parents) Clare Ansberry-Smith and Matt Smith

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Jessie Smith

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Jessie Smith poses for photos with her family after her graduation from Seton-La Salle High School. From left are Matt, Jessie, Clare, Peter and Eli.

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Jessie Smith with younger brother, Eli

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Among the items for sale during the games are the Jessie Stones, created by her aunt.

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Some of the jewelry that can be purchased during the Jessie Games.

The 2018 Jessie Games will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 21 at Central Catholic High School, located in Oakland.

The family-friendly event, featuring fun and games, celebrates the life of Jessie Egan Smith.

The former Mt. Lebanon resident and Seton LaSalle graduate died in 2013 at age 23. Smith attended Duquesne University and belonged to the Sigma Kappa sorority. She embarked on her career in retail fashion by working at Talbot’s. She later worked at The Loft, BCBG and J.Crew.

Sports always played a role in Smith’s life. She participated in cross-country, basketball and lacrosse at SLS and returned to her alma mater to serve as an assistant coach. Running, however, was her passion. She picked up the activity at St. Anne Elmentary School in Castle Shannon. Smith participated in both the Erie half marathon in 2012 and the Pittsburgh marathon in 2013.

“Jessie had a zest for life, a competitive spirit and a compassionate heart for family, friends and children in need,” noted Joann Cantrell, who handles publicity for the Jessie Games.

Smith caught the philanthropic bug in eighth grade when she traveled with a cousin to Immokalee, Fla., to work with migrant children. As a young woman, she later organized fund-raising events for St. Jude Children’s Hospital to benefit youth afflicted with cancer. She also used her races to raise money and awareness for children with disabilities.

According to Cantrell, through the Games, Jessie’s generosity is celebrated in a way that helps those in need.

The Olympic-themed day features races for children of all ages, as well as other activities for both young and old and concludes with a family-style cookout.

This year, the artistry of Micki Ansberry will be showcased. Jessie’s aunt and godmother created pendants, bracelets, earrings and tea lights from stones collected from the shores of Lake Erie and the beaches of Ireland.

In addition to the Jessie Stone jewelry, Ansberry painted watercolor scenes from Croagh Patrick in Ireland, a mountain that Jessie climbed with her family in 2006. Her parents, Clare and Matt, and their sons, Peter and Eli, returned in 2015 to place a Jessie stone in the chapel, located at the top of the mountain.

According to Santrell, in addition to Ireland, the stones have traveled to the Alps, the Himalayas and Iceland. The stones have “traveled the world” since their inception at Seton LaSalle High School, added Santrell.

Also, Snowdrop bulbs can be ordered. One of the earliest flowers to bloom are a symbol of hope, pushing up through the snow, heralding spring and life. Cloaked in the colors of Ireland, the alabaster pearl shaded flowers dangle from a slightly arched stem over mounds of bright emerald green leaves. For Smith’s family and friends, they are a reminder of Jessie.

Visit ccpgh.ejoinme.org/JessieGames2018Tix to register for the event. Tickets range in price from $5 to $15.

All proceeds support children’s enrichment activities offered through Catholic Charities. They help children who struggle with at-risk family issues such as divorce, drug/alcohol abuse and death. They also provide back-to-school supplies for low income families who cannot provide necessities such as new shoes, clothing and supplies for school.

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