Predictions that the price of gasoline in Ohio might slip below $1 a gallon became reality for 99 minutes Friday at a convenience store in Barberton.

The per-gallon price at Rocky’s Gas and Drive Thru on Norton Avenue was set at 99 cents from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. to raise funds for a local hospital. The store is located near Barberton High School.

Owner Shaun “Rocky” Jaber said his operation raised $1,985 for personal protective equipment (PPEs) for a hospital to be determined by Summa Health. The health care provider will be asked to choose from hospitals it owns in Barberton and Akron.

“We’re going to reach out to Summa,” Jaber said. “We’ll see … which hospital they want it sent to.”

Jaber, who promoted the event on his Facebook page, said the response was impressive.

“It was a great turnout,” Jaber said. “… It’s all for a good cause.”

Jaber said Rocky’s sold 1,200 gallons of gas in the 99-minute fundraiser. Donations and in-store sales aided the effort.

During the fundraiser, Enticing Cakes, an Akron food truck company, gave away lunch to children. Jaber said 74 sandwich lunches were given away.

Alan Ashworth can be reached at 330-996-3859 or emailed at aashworth@thebeaconjournal.com.