HEAD:  Shine On for Shelby hosts fundraiser to honor murdered GVSU alumna 

BY: Ashlyn Korienek

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Traveling to South Africa for elephant research, serving as president of Circle K and participating in the Disney College program were just a few things Shelby Fazio, a Grand Valley State University alumna, would accomplished before her death.

On Oct. 26, 2014, Shelby, 23, was stabbed to death by her roommate Bryan Santana in their West Orange County, Florida apartment. Her American bulldog Azaia was also killed.

Shortly after in March of 2015, the Shine On for Shelby organization launched. Terry Fazio and his wife Cindy Fazio, along with Shelby’s closest friends, started the initiative to carry on the legacy Shelby left behind.

“Starting this organization and helping others makes us feel as though Shelby’s still here with us,” Cindy Fazio said. “She lived her life the right way, by always giving back to others. The more people who hear about this initiative, the more it will influence others to get involved.”

More than a year since the tragedy, the organization hosted its first official fundraiser called the “Shine On for Shelby Dog house Races.” The races were held on June 11, located at the Jack Abernathy Park in Davison, Mich.

Funds were split between Shine On for Shelby and the Citizens for Animal Rescue and Emergencies (CARE) organization.

“The races themselves were great fun, a lot of cheering from the sidelines,” she said. “The CARE volunteers had a fantastic time and they’re interested in having us team up with them again in October for a fundraiser with NASH radio.”

To continue her work, Fazio said the fundraiser was dedicated to Shelby’s passion for animals, wildlife conservation and her beloved dog Azaia.

During her free time, Shelby served as the president of Circle K at GVSU and participated in global programs such as Kids Against Hunger, the Eliminate Project and African wildlife conservation.

After returning abroad from South Africa, Fazio said she completed the Disney College program and became a cruise boat Captain and trainer.

“Shelby had a lot of dreams and followed through the steps to achieve them,” Fazio said. “From the time she was 4 years old, she was watching the Lion King knowing she wanted to one day travel to Africa and see the wildlife in their natural habitat. She made that trip in 2013.

“She was involved in so many projects. Shelby was amazing – my best friend.”

Fazio said the races will be held again next year. This year generated around $100 in funds, but the organization is hopeful for increased participation each year.

“Even though this particular race didn’t do as well as it could have,” she said, “it certainly got a lot of attention and we’re sure we’ll be doing many more in the future.”

In addition to the races, Shine On for Shelby is participating in the Adopt-a-Highway program with proportions of I-69 between Hadley and Washburn roads of Lapeer, Mich., representing both Shelby and Azaia.

In April 2016, the organization collected 213 bag of trash over a two week course.

“This was by far our most challenging project to date,” Fazio said. “We had quite a few volunteers at the time, and our next cleanup will be in July. We are planning on doing this three times a year.”

Kirstin Kohl, the organization’s marketing and advertising manager, said the Shelby Fazio ’13 Memorial Endowed Scholarship was created at GVSU in memory of Shelby to aid biology and natural resources management majors.

Kohl said the organizations is advocating for donations located on GVSU’s website.

“Shelby touched so many lives during her life, people needed a way to honor her,” Fazio said. “This is all we have left, and this is what we will continue to do.”

To follow Shine On for Shelby or get involved, visit www.facebook.com/ShineOnForShelby.