School and community recently gathered at the Ralph Bunche Center in Canton to dedicate the Playground for Smiles in memory of a young student who passed away last year. Christian Egner attended the preschool center for two years before he succumbed to complications from asthma.

Christian enjoyed life to the fullest, Principal Donna Adams said during the ceremony. We were blessed to have Christian dance through these halls and leap on this playground.

Christians parents, Keith and Trish Egner, participated in the dedication. The news of the dedication, Mr. Egner said, brought joy to my heart and to my family. His name will go on, and hell be remembered for years to come. The Soleil community in Laurel Canyon was instrumental in raising funds for the new playground equipment.

The Egner family has established a foundation in Christians name, and a 5K Smile Run is scheduled for October 8 to benefit the Ralph Bunche Center. For more information, visit TheSmileRun.com/.