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Fort Wayne, IN. | December 23, 2009

Fort Wayne Derby Girls Adopt a Family this Holiday Season

The charity driven Fort Wayne Derby Girls have adopted a family this holiday season. In keeping with its philanthropic nature, the league has been collecting toys, clothing, boots and gift cards for the Hershman family of Columbia City. Two representatives from the league, Tonya Hamman and Jodie Chambers, will deliver over 40 gifts, including a washing machine, to the family on Wednesday, December 23, just in time for the holiday.

When presented with the offer to be adopted by the league, Jeni Hershman said, "We are so grateful that you want to help our family. A few years back, we were able to do the same thing for a family, but to be on the other side is very humbling and hard to accept."

Tonya Hamman, who headed up the effort to collect items for the family, said "Working as a team, on and off the track, we can make a real difference in our community."

About the Hershman Family

Dave and Jeni Hershman have been married for ten years and they have five kids: Alyssa, 15; Brandon, 9; Jayden, 8; Caleb, 4; and Colton, deceased. Earlier this year Jeni was admitted to Parkview Hospital due to complications with her pregnancy. After a long hospital stay, she began battling an infection and doctors informed the family that there was nothing they could do to save the baby. The week of Thanksgiving, Jeni gave birth to Colton, who lived for only 3 hours. During Jeni's hospital stay, Dave took time off of work to care for the kids, which has put a financial strain on the family.

About Fort Wayne Derby Girls Inc.

Fort Wayne is at the pinnacle of Indiana's roller derby resurgence. Since October 2005, the Fort Wayne Derby Girls, a non-profit, volunteer-run organization, has raised $41,000 for local women's and children's charities. Now in its 5th season and 2nd at the Coliseum, the league continues to support local charities.

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