“It’s the culmination of the whole thing.”
That’s how Big 30 Charities Classic President Frank Williams summed up the organization’s giveaway day Saturday at CNB Bank in Bradford. A total of $27,500 has been raised by the Big 30 since January, with Saturday’s event providing the opportunity for the committee to formally hand over checks to individuals and organizations in need.
“As you know,” Williams said, “we like to have a concentration on charity with kids because kids are very important to everyone here I’m sure.”
A total of 33 individuals and organizations have received money from the Big 30 this year. They include individuals like Linkin Mitchell, Cathy Jacobs-Dutty and Matthew Whelan, who will put the money toward medical bills.
The donation to Jacob Meister will allow him to have a service dog, while organizations like the Boy Scouts, Special Olympics and Bradford High School cheerleaders are due to the their continued support and volunteer efforts at the Big 30’s annual football game.
Multiple scholarship funds were donated to, including the Don Raabe Scholarships at both Cuba-Rushford and Otto-Eldred high schools. Those schools were the New York and Pennsylvania spirit winners, respectively, from last school year. Because of that, one scholarship at each school will be given to a graduating senior this school year.
“I want to thank you guys for coming and acknowledge the fact that we’re thankful we are able to help you guys out this year,” Williams said. “It may not be enough to help with some of the medical concerns and issues we face these days, but we’re glad we’re able to help you out in some way because it’s so hard these days.”
Other entities that received donations include Interfaith Caregivers, Kinzua Outdoors, Relay for Life, BHS Cross Country Booster Club, Dan Beckwith scholarship, John “Pick” Zimbardi, Amanda Mix, ELF Fund, Bryan Hannon scholarship fund, Katie Caldwell, Smethport Christian Food Bank, Chuck and Mikki Ebert, Julie Packard, Bradford Hospital Foundation, Willow Creek triathlon, Pink Pumpkin Project, Camp JJ, Shriners, Brenda Buck, Carl Milks, Bradford Hockey Booster Club, Bill Raabe scholarship (Smethport booster club), Bill Raabe scholarship (Cuba-Rushford) and Southwestern Booster Club.
The 44th annual Big 30 Charities all-star game will be held Aug. 5, 2017, at Bradford’s Parkway Field.
