by Laura Freeman
Reporter
Lyndhurst -- Friends and family hope a May 17 fundraiser will bring some good from a violent act that took the life of a daughter, sister, mother and teacher they loved.
Marci Kornblut's life ended at the age of 31 in what prosecutors called a "violent and ruthless" act of domestic violence in October 2006 when her husband, Joseph D. Gorospe, 32, beat and strangled her to death at their Hudson home. Gorospe pleaded guilty to murder, kidnapping, tampering with evidence and domestic violence April 16, 2007, and was sentenced to 23 years to life in prison.
A May 17 memorial walk organized by family and friends to honor her, "March 4 Marci," will raise funds to benefit a domestic violence center which provides programs and services for domestic violence victims, their children and abusers.
Ms. Kornblut, known as Marissa Gorospe before her family restored her maiden name after her death, taught history for five years at Brush High School.
The May 17 fundraiser is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Brush High School's Korb Field, 4875 Glenlyn Road in Lyndhurst. There is no set time to participate and no mile requirements. Entrants can raise funds through sponsors or make donations.
Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m. All entrants will receive raffle tickets, and T-shirts will be awarded to those with a minimum donation of $50. Visit www.march4marci.com to make donations or for registration information.
Kristina Packard, Ms. Kornblut's friend since 1995, said In 2007, the first year for the fundraiser, "March 4 Marci" raised $6,000 for the Domestic Violence Center of Cleveland. The funds are used for the speaker's bureau and educational programs to educate high school students about domestic violence.
"I think if [Marci] had realized the relationship was abusive and gotten out, she would be very happy to support this cause so other people wouldn't have to feel the way she did," Packard said. "I think she looks down on us and is very happy about what we are doing. She loved teaching, and if we can teach others her life lesson, that would make her happy."
Packard said at the first domestic violence lecture at Brush High School several months ago, eight students publicly admitted they or someone they knew was in an abusive relationship. Students learn about warning signs of abuse or potential abuse.
"This is the goal of the march -- educate young people about the warning signs and dangers of domestic violence in order to save a life," Packard said.
Marci's parents, Taub and Joan Kornblut, have custody of her two daughters, Alison, 5, and Caitlin, 3. Alison, who is autistic and Caitlin, who is delayed learning, are both talking with the help of tutors and schooling.
"We have the kids to keep us busy and remind us of [Marci]," Joan said. "We talk about her and have pictures of her around the house."
Joan said the Kornbluts lost a son to cancer in 1997 and have a golf outing in his honor to raise funds for cancer. They see "March 4 Marci" as a similar way to honor their daughter.
There also is a scholarship at Brush High School in Ms. Kornblut's name for a senior pursuing a career in education.
"Doing things for other people is helping us and keeps her memory alive," Joan said.
Joan said the domestic violence lectures educate students about healthy relationships and signs of dangerous relationships.
"I know Marci wouldn't want the publicity, but on the other hand, she was an educator, and she would want to teach girls that they shouldn't put up with [abusive] treatment they're receiving," Joan said.
The domestic violence center Web site, www.domesticviolencecenter.org, includes information on warning signs of an abusive relationship, teens and dating violence, healthy relationships, a dating bill of rights, and a safety plan. The domestic violent center has a 24-hours helpline at 216-391-HELP.
E-mail: lfreeman@recordpub.com
Phone: 330-688-0088 ext. 3150