Foundation puts picnic tables in Paradise Park

The email from the Witmer family to David S. Thompson, Paradise Township manager, said that the family wanted to donate two youth-sized picnic tables in memory of their son, Zane. "We can create an environment for families to make lasting memories together. We hope that this donation will enhance the overall park experience and bring joy to all who visit," the family stated.

The tables were readily accepted for placement in the park on Aug. 7. "I'm inspired by your motivation to transform grief into a positive and lasting impact," wrote Thompson in response.

On Aug. 7 at 11 a.m., the Witmer family - David and Jennifer and their children David Jr. and Caitlyn - met with Paradise Park manager Adryan Yothers at the park, 6 London Vale Road, Paradise. Two youth-sized picnic tables were stacked in a blue trailer painted with web addresses for the Zane A. Witmer Memorial Foundation. Father and son removed the two tables, which were placed on the corners of a playground adjacent to one of the park pavilions. "We were last here (in the park) in 2017," recalled Jennifer, who noted that David Jr. was part of the Scouting program that met in a building in the park. "We would come down here to play." Jennifer recalled the family taking part in the annual Easter egg hunt held in the park, as well. The family has placed 14 picnic tables in area parks, including tables in Strasburg and Bird-in-Hand.

The Witmer family lost its youngest son, Zane, age 2 and a half, in August of 2017 in Fort Myers, Fla. Jennifer explained that while the Witmers were moving a family member to a new home, Zane disappeared. David later found the toddler in the pool. Zane died at Golisano Children's Hospital of Southwest Florida in Fort Myers.

Following Zane's death, the family founded a nonprofit organization with the mission of raising awareness of and preventing childhood drowning. "We do water safety education in the community," explained Jennifer, noting that the foundation offers life jackets for area residents to borrow. "I am certified to teach survival swim lessons," she stated. "I teach babies from six months to self-rescue."

Each fall, the family loads the trailer with donations for the hospital where Zane died. "(Zane's) birthday is Nov. 21, so every year on his birthday, we take 1,121 blankets to the hospital where he passed," explained Jennifer.

A yearly golf outing helps to fund foundation activities. The third annual tournament will be held at Fairview Golf Course, 2399 Quentin Road, Lebanon, on Friday, Oct. 4, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration will begin at 7 a.m., and a buffet luncheon will be served at 12:30 p.m. Jennifer said that the organization is looking for golfers to take part in this year's event by registering at https://becauseofzane.org. More information about the organization may also be found by searching for "Because of Zane" on Facebook.