Local Teacher Helps Organize Run for Meteyer Fund in Downtown Plymouth

This article was written by Joni Hubred-Golden

Charlie Stamboulian, a teacher at Harrison High in Farmington Hills, and his friend Nick Allen, an engineer have long dreamed of doing something for the greater good.

The former college roommates will accomplish that goal on Dec. 29, with The Rock the Clock Run 2013. The 5K benefits a fund established in memory of North Farmington High graduate Gerad Meteyer, who died six years ago at age 34, as the result of a low blood sugar incident.

Meteyer was diagnosed with diabetes at age 9 and loved spending time at Camp Midicha, an American Diabetes Association (ADA) camp for children and teenagers with diabetes. After he passed, his family established a fund to send underprivileged children to the camp

"Camp Midicha really helped Gerad cope with his diabetes," said Stamboulian, who is also a North Farmington alum. "He eventually became a camp counselor." 

Allen also has a connection to the cause; his younger brother lives with diabetes. Allen is also a Plymouth-Salem graduate, and Gerad's younger brother, Kyle, teaches there. 

Since he and Allen started planning the race, Stamboulian said, "some really heartwarming things have happened." Businesses have stepped up to support the race, including Kilwin's, a downtown Plymouth chocolate shop, which will provide hot chocolate for runners. 

"The owner of Kilwin's had Ron Meteyer (Gerad's father) as a teacher (at Northville High School) and wanted to help," Stamboulian said. "It's been amazing so far." 

The 5k run starts and ends in downtown Plymouth's Kellogg Park, and prizes will be awarded in age categories for men and women. The top five in each age group will receive a "Rock the Clock" pint glass. 

While there is a weather contingency policy, organizers are prepared to deal with a little snow. "Battling the elements is one of the cool parts of the race," Stamboulian said. 

To learn more, visit rocktheclockrun.com.