Despite Cold Weather, Charleroi Elementary Center’s Spring Craft and Vendor Show a Success

Last Updated on Wednesday, 04 April 2018 16:34

By Jill Runfola

The Spring Craft and Vendor Show, held at Charleroi Elementary Center on a chilly March 17, 2018 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., was expected to be even busier than last year, according to one coordinator, Becky Spiker, school librarian.

(l-r) Becky Spiker and Dana Cannon, who were mainly in charge of the Spring Craft and Vendor Show.

The 2nd annual event was also coordinated by Dana Cannon, certified school nurse, and many committee members worked together to make the day possible. The show benefits students in the Charleroi School District through Harvest Bounty, a weekend food program.

The Harvest Bounty program received the Regional Service Award from the Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce last year.

Cannon said, “The program takes about $30,000 to $36,000 to run each school year. Most of the food is purchased at the Greater Washington County Food Bank. For our students with allergies, at times we need to purchase food locally.” She continued, “The Harvest Bounty committee is truly excited to work within our district and community. We receive donations from everyone in our community, which we are very grateful for. But this fundraiser, as well as smaller ones throughout the year, allows this program to prosper.”

This fundraiser, a spring-themed show, featured the following vendors: Avon, Paparazzi Jewelry, MC Designs, Pink Zebra, Ric’sKustom Polishing, and many more. G-Ma’s Things, with mostly handmade Easter designs and ceramics, is owned by Doreen Broadwater. Her sister, Loretta Beckhardt, said of the show, “We’re having fun, looking to see what the crowd is like. It was good last year.” She further explained that proceeds from the Chinese auction are going toward the Food Bank, adding, “No one should be hungry in this country.”

In addition to the vendors and the Chinese auction, there was also a concession stand. Some of the food available included: hot dogs with sauerkraut, nachos, chips, doughnuts, coffee, candy, and pop or water. The prizes available at the Chinese auction included: a Cougars blanket, toys, crocheted Easter bunnies, and lottery scratch-offs; there were 51 prizes in all.

Everyone who attended seemed to have a good time.