With two months remaining this year, the 33rd Don Raabe Big 30
Charities Classic has helped 59 individuals, groups and
organizations by handing out over $31,000 from the all-star
football game played in August.
Those were the statistics passed along to a crowd of recipients
and other guests attending Wednesday’s annual Charities Night
giveaway at Floyd Fretz Middle School.
“To date, the Raabe Charities Classic has donated $1,1,00,000 to
individuals, groups and organizations in this area,” said Kevin
Kelley, who served as the master of ceremonies.
According to treasurer Tom Bowes, there will be several more
checks passed out by the end of the year, which will substantially
increase the final total for 2006 and the overall 33-year amount
distributed.
Wednesday night 19 recipients were on hand for the
presentations. Receiving checks either directly or through
representatives were the area chapter of the American Red Cross,
Home Care and Hospice, Camp New Horizons, Sandra Jo Pennington,
Bradford Special Police, VNA Bereavement Camp and Bradford Stroke
Group.
Also, the Julio Fuentes Recovery Fund, Salina AJ Bona, Sam
Benedict Chapter of PIAA Officials, Bradford High School
Cheerleaders, McKean County Special Olympics, Camp JJ, Coen Moore,
VNAVoice Care, Bradley Leet, Terri Lindquist, Diana Kreiner and
Matt Fillhart.
The Raabe Classic committee will also be making a donation to
the Dan Beckwith Scholarship Fund at Kane High School.
“Game night is big for us, but this is our proudest night of the
year because we are able to help people in our area through
difficult times,” said Ken Coffman, committee president.
“I am very honored to be associated with this group and I thank
all of our major sponsors, as well as the players, cheerleaders and
coaches who donate their time for two weeks each summer. There are
also the Big 30 schools who support us, as well as our patrons and
the members of the media who let the public know about the
game.
“We hope that the gifts we’re giving out tonight will help ease
some of the problems experienced by the people who are receiving
them,” he added.
Kelley pointed out that the game committee has broadened its
area of giving.
“This year we extended our boundaries, so no matter where people
live we’re always looking to branch out and help those in need,” he
commented.
Wednesday’s Charities Night sponsor was County National Bank,
while other major sponsors who make the yearly game possible are
Dallas Morris Drilling, D & D Builders, MM Answering, Northwest
Savings Bank, Penn Laurel Realty, Pure Tech Group, Tops Market, the
University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, W.R. Case and Sons Cutlery
Company, Wal-Mart and the Zippo Manufacturing Co.
“We’re asking more people to get involved, either by
volunteering their time or just making a donation, because
everything we generate remains in the Big 30 area,” Coffman
emphasized.
