DAY OF SERVICE HONORS THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF THE-LATE PASCAL WEISBERGER ON HIS 19TH BIRTHDAY

Pascal in the mangroves: With a bucket in hand, Pascal Weisberger participates in a cleanup. The 14-year-old was killed by his brother in May 2020. A day of service on his birthday continues to honor his work in the community. CONTRIBUTED

Pascal Weisberger would have turned 19 on Feb. 2. A tragedy in May 2020 – he was killed by his brother – took the 14-year-old boy who fought for the environment, adored pets and gave everything he had to his Upper Keys community. 

Schools, local organizations and residents across the island chain will give back to their communities through debris cleanups and other projects for the sixth annual Pascal Weisberger Day of Service on Feb. 2. The event was started by former Treasure Village Montessori principal Kelly Mangel who worked alongside Ariel Poholek, Pascal’s father, and the community. 

The day has grown exponentially over the years with participation among schools, organizations and individuals in the Keys. Two years ago, Monroe County officially declared Feb. 2 as Pascal’s Annual Day of Service, encouraging students and those in the community to engage in cleanups and other acts of service.

Students across Monroe County will mobilize for a day of service to honor Weisberger’s work in the community. Poholek is also encouraging participation among local businesses this year. While cleanups are worthwhile service activities, any kind of community service is a valued contribution to the day. 

“People have donated blood. They’ve also donated food to the local animal shelter and food pantries,” he said.

A debris cleanup at Harry Harris Park in Tavernier will go from 10 a.m. to noon. 
Participants in this year’s day of service are encouraged to share photos to the Pascal’s Way Facebook page and/or share posts to their own Facebook pages with the hashtag #PascalsWay. And those in the community who wish to tell stories of their interactions with Pascal are encouraged to send them to Poholek at apoholek@gmail.com. Poholek is looking to compile the stories for a commemorative book.