Western-Star.com

LIBERTY TWP. — A motorcycle ride is expected to help the children of 35-year-old Maineville resident Paula Burwick, who died unexpectedly last month.

Gilby's Cruise for the Kids is scheduled for today, April 26, at Gilby's Irish Pub, 5555 Cincinnati-Dayton Road in Liberty Twp., rain or shine

Burwick, who became a real estate agent last year, planned to remarry in July to fiance Steve Chinn, whom she had been dating for four years. Burwick had three daughters, Jesse, 19; Samantha, 16; and Rebecca, 12. Chinn has two children, Ashley, 15, and Danny, 8. All the children are living with Chinn.

Burwick died suddenly March 19 after collapsing at a beauty shop, said family friend Sidney Hauser, who noted she had no pre-existing medical conditions.

"She just stood up and said 'I don't feel so good' and fell to the floor," Hauser said.

The event kicks off at 9 a.m. with breakfast. Riders are scheduled to motor out at 11 a.m. for journey with stops at The Village Tavern in West Chester Twp., Indian Creek Tavern in Riley, The Golden Key in Darrtown and Jen's Place in Liberty Twp.

Riders are scheduled to return to Gilby's at 5:30 p.m. for food, music, a silent auction and a split-the-pot raffle and the event is expected to last until 2 a.m., Hauser said.

The cost to participate in the event is $15 for solo riders and $20 per couple. All proceeds from the event, including a portion of food and beverage sales at all five bars, go to a trust fund for Burwick's children.

Hauser said he and Gilby's owner Bryan Gilmartin organized the event a tribute to Burwick's generosity.

"Even though she wasn't very well off financially, she was always there for her neighbors," Hauser said. "She was just a wonderful person."

Contribution to the Paula Burwick Memorial Fund may be made at any Fifth Third Bank location.

For more information, call (513) 659-8254 or (513) 777-9898.

Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5126 or eschwartzberg@coxohio.com.

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