fundraise

Friends of the Delaware Canal to hold “A Night in Rio”

May 3, 2013 By webmaster

Join the Friends of the Delaware Canal for “A Night in Rio” on Saturday, May 18 from 6 to 10 p.m. at the Audubon Barn, 2877 Creamery Road, New Hope, PA. The evening will feature casino games, a barbeque dinner, and dancing for the benefit of the Friends’ efforts to improve the Canal and its surroundings.

Partying at “A Night in Rio” will take on many guises. Play blackjack, spin the roulette wheel, see a tango demonstration by the ever-graceful Benita Ryan, roll the dice, bite into the barbeque dinner provided by Fabulous Feasts, and enjoy music spun by a Bob Egan Productions DJ.

Admission is $75 per person. The price includes $25 worth of “chips,” dinner, and one drink. To make reservations, call 215-862-2021 or e-mail friends@fodc.org.

For more information about “A Night in Rio” and other Friends of the Delaware Canal activities, visit www.fodc.org.

Filed Under: New Hope News Events Tagged With: A Night in Rio, Audubon Barn, delaware canal, events, friends of the delaware canal, fundraise

Cabin fever cured!

March 20, 2013 By webmaster

The Bucks County Audubon Society (BCAS) announced that it has a cure for even the most stubborn case of “cabin fever.” This exciting end-of-winter, celebration-of-spring annual event is called Cabin Fever Fest. The event will be held at the New Hope Winery, the co-host, and is sure to help melt away your winter blahs with fine wine and good company.

The well-known and very popular Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band TUSK will be providing the entertainment for an evening of fun and music. Cabin Fever Fest is an important annual fundraiser that benefits the environmental education programs offered at Bucks County Audubon Society in New Hope.

This year the event is scheduled for Saturday, March 23rd. A meet-and-greet reception with the band will start at 7:00pm and the concert begins at 8:00pm. There will also be time at the end of the performance to visit with TUSK band members for autograph signing and purchase CD’s and other memorabilia of the evening.

The New Hope Winery has generously agreed to share the proceeds of the evening event with BCAS as part of its “Friend Raising” mission.

Cabin Fever Fest at the New Hope Winery is easy to get to (on Route 202 just outside New Hope). The venue seats up to 250 people, has a full kitchen and beverage bars, and ample free parking. The winery, based in a vintage Bucks County barn, offers a warm and inviting atmosphere.

Everyone is invited, including all current and new BCAS Members and their guests, to sit back and enjoy the evening festivities.

Tickets will be sold at four levels – VIP seating plus reception, VIP performance only, regular seating plus reception and performance only. These levels will allow guests to determine the level at which they would like to participate and will maximize their donation. A raffle will also be held to help raise much needed funds for discovery elements at the BCAS Visitor Center.

Tickets are $55 for general admission and $65 for VIP seating, and are available at the door or by calling BCAS at 215-297-5880.

Filed Under: New Hope News Events Tagged With: Bucks County Audubon Society, Cabin Fever Fest, entertainment, events, fundraise, New Hope Winery, TUSK

Central Bucks Rotary

January 21, 2013 By webmaster

This past year, CB Rotary ensured several local families could remain in their homes. One such home was a 200-year-old structure at risk for failing safety requirements. A struggling family was at risk for losing their home of 23 years. Habitat for Humanity and the CB Rotary donated money, sweat and expertise to complete the necessary renovations.

Another family suffered a tragedy paralyzing their seventh grade daughter. CB Rotarians and Wehrung’s Building Supply stepped in and built handicap access to their home. A handicap access ramp was also added to a local senior’s home, giving her more independence to maneuver in and out of her home.

CB Rotarians are so successful because of their ability to partner with companies and organizations, willingness to roll up their sleeves to get it done, and fundraising efforts.

Various social events, organized motorcycle rides, raffles and concerts have fueled the CB Rotary to benefit more than 20 non-profit organizations and causes including Twilight Wish Foundation, Christ’s Home, Rotoplast, Shelter Box, Polio Plus, Travis Manion Foundation, Meals on Wheels, Make a Wish Foundation, families affected by tragedy and loss, and many others.

In the four years of existence CB Rotarians have raised and donated more than $100,000 – mostly within Bucks County. Additional service opportunities supported include the Doylestown Food Pantry, clean-up and landscaping at the Doylestown Borough Dam, and game nights at Center Square Towers.

For more information about the Central Bucks Rotary, visit www.centralbucksrotary.com or contact the Central Bucks Rotary President, Mike Esposito at 267-454-7074. Meetings are held on Tuesday evenings at the Plumsteadville Inn.

Filed Under: Guidebook DO Tagged With: Central Bucks Rotary, community guidebook, donate, fundraise

Makefield Women’s Association

January 21, 2013 By webmaster

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead.

Makefield Women’s Association (MWA) is made up of a small group of women dedicated to raising funds and providing services to those in need. MWA is actively involved in community service and supports programs that benefit both the local community and worthy humanitarian organizations.

They have been giving back to the community for over 40 years. If you’d like to join their efforts in giving back to the wonderful community in which we live, consider attending one of their meetings to learn more about their organization. You’ll see that they are a great group of women looking for more great women to help make a difference in their own backyards!!

These are just a few of the contributions MWA makes to the community:

Aid for Friends (Meals on Wheels);

Adopt-a-Highway;

Monthly Kids’ Collection for A Woman’s Place and the Bucks County Homeless Shelter;

Apartment Partners (helping families in Supportive Housing with the Bucks County Housing Group);

Yardley Harvest Day Festival (their largest fundraiser).

MWA meets the first Wednesday of each month at Sunrise Senior Living, 631 Stony Hill Road, Yardley, PA 19067, at 7:30pm.

Visit their website at www.makefieldwomensassociation.org or call Angela at 215-497-1093 for membership information.

Filed Under: Guidebook YV Tagged With: community guidebook, fundraise, Makefield Women's Association, women

New Hope-Solebury Community Association

January 21, 2013 By webmaster

The New Hope-Solebury Community Association (CA) was incorporated as a not-for-profit corporation in November 1949, principally to raise funds for the construction of a gymnasium on the grounds of the New Hope-Solebury High School for the use of the students and the community. The gymnasium was, in fact, erected in 1953 after successful fundraising events and donations from the public.

In 1957 the CA financed the addition to the gymnasium building for locker rooms, cafeteria and kitchen facilities. Since that time the CA has continued to support the students and the community by establishing the New Hope Soccer Club for children of all ages, providing scholarships for graduating seniors and sponsoring various youth teams.

In 1977 the CA purchased approximately 17 acres in Solebury Township on which it constructed a Community Center and recreational fields for the benefit of the New Hope and Solebury communities. This facility was donated to the township in 1995 and is now the focal point of their Park and Recreation program.

For many years the “Night at the Races” was a popular event and a substantial contributor to the Scholarship Fund.

The “Track 2002” committee was organized in 2000 with the goal of constructing an all-weather track complex at the New Hope-Solebury High School. The primary purpose was to promote physical fitness and athletics throughout the entire New Hope-Solebury community. Construction was completed in 2005 after successfully raising $460,000 through various events and donations from sponsors as well as the public.

In 2000 the committee also initiated the annual 5K Spirit Run, where the school’s athletic teams participate in organizing and hosting road races for all ages over courses which traverse the school campus and the town of New Hope, ranging from a 5K race for competitive and non-competitive runners to a one-mile Fun Run for all ages and levels of ability. This event has been very well attended and proceeds are distributed to the various athletic teams and the scholarship fund for graduating seniors.

The major fundraiser for the CA has been the New Hope Automobile Show, which has been held on school grounds each year since 1957. This is a showcase of hundreds of finely restored and maintained antique, classic and sport automobiles. It is considered by many to be the finest competitive automobile show on the East Coast.

For more information about the New Hope-Solebury Community Association, call 215-862-5665, fax 215-862-3821 or email NHSCA@verizon.net.

Filed Under: Guidebook NN Tagged With: community guidebook, fundraise, New Hope Automobile Show, New Hope Soccer Club, New Hope-Solebury Community Association

Christopher Mensch Foundation

January 21, 2013 By webmaster

Christopher Mensch was the son of Steve and Patricia (Nawalinski) Mensch. When Christopher became ill at six-months-old, it left him severely mentally and physically handicapped. Despite all his challenges, he remained happy.

Sadly, Christopher, who had the biggest heart and touched everyone he came in contact with, died on Valentine’s Day 1997. He was only 12-years-old. Fortunately, Christopher was part of a big family who saw the challenges of caring for a handicapped child.

For example, a simple thing like showering him was not just difficult but dangerous.

His loving personality and courage inspired the Nawalinski family to start a foundation to help families in Bucks County take care of their severely handicapped children. The Nawalinski family raises money through fundraisers and donations used to fund projects for families in Bucks County.

The foundation has adapted bathrooms with special equipment like shower beds and ceiling lifts. They have also funded other equipment like wheelchairs and van lifts. This year’s recipient is a 10-year-old girl from Langhorne – her bathroom is being modified for her special needs.

The Christopher Mensch Foundation relies on the generosity of the community. Their main fundraiser has been a golf outing held every June at the Northampton Country Club. This year the outing will be June 28th.

Additionally, they held their first horseshoe tournament at the Bristol Hibernian Club this past fall and are now planning for their next beef and beer event to be held on April 13that Westaby Hall in Fairless Hills.

The foundation is always seeking new sponsors and raffle prizes for their fundraisers. They also welcome donated material or labor for their projects.

CMF is a non-profit organization. For more information, visit their website at www.supportcmf.com, find them on Facebook, or email pmensch@supportcmf.com.

Filed Under: Guidebook YV Tagged With: Christopher Mensch Foundation, community guidebook, donate, fundraise, handicapped children

Ethan Clearfield establishes company to raise funds for animal rescue organization

January 15, 2013 By webmaster

by June Portnoy

Ethan Clearfield, 15, is the owner and head baker of Biscuit Baker-E, a fundraising company he started five years ago to raise money for the Main Line Animal Rescue (MLAR). To date he has raised over $8,500 for this organization.

Ethan, a Richboro resident and 10th grader at Solebury School in New Hope, established his business after watching an episode of “The Oprah Winfrey Show” on puppy mills. Bill Smith, founder of MLAR, appeared on the program, describing the deplorable conditions of puppy mills, including inbreeding, minimal or no vet care, limited shelter and overcrowded cages.

Ethan, the owner of three rescue dogs and a cat, says, “My goal is to help put an end to puppy mills.”

Knowing that MLAR has launched one of the most successful anti-puppy mill campaigns in the history of animal welfare, Ethan decided he wanted to volunteer to work there. Unfortunately, he was 10 at the time, and MLAR requires that volunteers must be at least 16-years-old.

However, this age restriction didn’t deter Ethan from helping MLAR. Since Ethan had always had a passion for baking, as well as for animals, his mother suggested that he make and sell homemade dog biscuits from home to raise money for MLAR.

“It was the best of both worlds, and the next best solution to volunteering at MLAR,” says Ethan.

It was also the beginning of Biscuit Baker-E. Ethan decided from his company’s inception that all proceeds from his dog biscuits would go to MLAR.

“Ethan was the first person to ever start a business dedicated to raising money for us,” says Cindy Messerly, MLAR’s Director of Development.

Ethan originally used recipes from doggie cookbooks, but eventually created his own recipes with the help of his mom, his cooking assistant.

“I’m a vegetarian and feel strongly that both people and animals should have healthy diets, so I make all-natural, homemade biscuits,” says Ethan.

Ethan’s three dogs have become his dog testers, offering feedback about which biscuits they enjoy the most. He started with six biscuit flavors, and is always experimenting with new recipes.

Today he sells five different flavors, including chicken, peamutt butter, bacon-n-beef, pizza and veggie. He also offers a gluten-free option, which has become quite popular for dogs with dietary restrictions.

He creates three sizes (mini, small and large) of treats, all in the shape of a dog bone. Ethan’s selling season begins mid-September, usually at the annual Northampton Days Festival in Richboro. He also sells his biscuits at other local fairs, holiday vendor shows and area schools.

“I know that every time I sell another bag of biscuits, I am helping another dog,” says Ethan.

Like any good entrepreneur, Ethan sets sales goals for his company, and increases his goal every year. Last year, he raised $2,500, and this year he hopes to raise between $3,000-$4,000.

Although he typically ends his selling season before spring, this year he plans to extend it through spring in order to generate additional funds. Although the biscuits continue to be Biscuit Baker-E’s biggest moneymaker, Ethan has added a few different product lines to his company.

About three years ago, he began selling puppy pouches.

“You attach them to the loop of your dog’s leash, so you can bring everything you need to make your dog walk easier,” explains Ethan. “Some things you might place in your pouch are keys, a cell phone, cleanup bags and dog treats.”

New this year is the no-sew homemade blankets made from polar fleece. They come in 10 different prints with seven background colors. “You can custom-order your blanket,” says Ethan, “and they make great holiday gifts.”

Ethan has recently expanded his company by having a logo and website designed. In the future, he plans to apply for 501(c)3 tax-exempt status so Biscuit Baker-E can officially become a non-profit charitable organization.

The best part of the year for Ethan is bringing the check from the proceeds of his sales to MLAR.

“The money Ethan raises goes to fund all aspects of our mission,” says Cindy.

“When I hand that check over to MLAR, I feel like I am changing the world for so many animals,” says Ethan. “I hope my business shows kids that they too can make a difference to benefit animals.”

For more information about Biscuit Baker-E or to place an order, visit www.biscuitbakere.com.

PHOTO CAP: Ethan Clearfield with his canine friends

Filed Under: Northampton Herald News Tagged With: animals, Biscuit Baker-E, business, fundraise, Main Line Animal Rescue, news, puppy mills

Chandler Hall Culinary Classics celebrates 10 years

January 11, 2013 By webmaster

by Mimi Rowland

Three hundred people came to Chandler Hall hungry and left feeling satisfied, both with their meals and their contribution to a worthy program.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Chandler Hall’s Culinary Classics, an evening of gourmet food, drinks, and desserts provided by local markets, restaurants, wineries, and bakeries.

Once guests had purchased their tickets, either in advance or at the door, they were welcomed into the Wright Meeting Hall where they were greeted by a feast for the eyes and the appetite. After taking a plate, they were free to walk around and sample top-shelf items from over 25 participants.

The Waterwheel served up delectable braised short ribs, Jules Thin Crust offered a large and varied sampling of their pizzas, and Chandler Hall’s own executive chef Matthew Schwartz was on hand to present a complete menu which started with Alaskan snow crab legs and ended with a dessert of chocolate chip cookies with bacon and salty caramel.

After enjoying the entrees, guests headed over to the dessert area where many wonderful treats were available. Riehl’s Baked Goods brought cheesecake, pumpkin roll, wonderful homemade pumpkin pie, fruit pies, cakes, and more. Cramer’s Bakery also offered a wide variety of cakes, cupcakes, and petits-fours.

Goodnoe’s, oWowCow Creamery, and the Zebra-Striped Whale served up ice cream in every flavor, and The Tubby Olive prepared innovative brownies made with blood orange-flavored olive oil.

Beverages were available in an adjoining room where the wondrous variety of choices continued. Buckingham Valley Vineyards and Rose Bank Winery served up glasses of red and white throughout the night.

Family-owned Gretz Beer provided samples of Longboard Lager and Goose Island Ale among others. There was even a local distiller in attendance, Herman Mihalich, with his Dad’s Hat rye whiskey.

Teetotalers were not disappointed as Lynn Coffee Bean & Tea had brought a selection of their 90 loose-leaf teas and coffee choices for after-dinner enjoyment.

A wide variety of floral arrangements, artwork, handcrafts, vacations, and more were available at the silent auction, the proceeds from which, together with ticket sales, provide funding for Chandler Hall’s hospice program. This program offers compassionate care to individuals facing terminal illnesses and much-needed assistance to their families, including bereavement support.

Chandler Hall’s hospice program does not turn anyone away for inability to pay for services, so this fundraiser is crucial to the program and its philosophy of benevolent care.

As Co-Chair of their Business Advocacy Council William Hooper puts it, Chandler Hall holds a “professional, compassionate view of service where all people are accepted.”

He says their care feedback has been exceptional because they “go the extra mile to make sure people are cared for.”

If you would like to volunteer to help with next November’s Culinary Classics, donate to the event, participate as a vendor, or even as a sponsor, contact Senior Director of Development and Volunteers Katherine Falk at kfalk@chandlerhall.org.

If all this talk of food has whetted your appetite, mark your calendar and visit ChandlerHall.org for more information.

PHOTO CAP: Deardra Murphy with flowers up for bid at Culinary Classics

Filed Under: Yardley Voice News Tagged With: chandler hall, Culinary Classics, entertainment, fundraise, hospice, news

Chandler Hall Culinary Classics celebrates 10 years

January 11, 2013 By webmaster