YWCA Bradford, through events such as its annual YWCA Leader Luncheon, has always looked to recognize the good deeds of others in the community. But until now, it has been shy about using its team’s planning skills to organize a fundraiser for themselves.
On Saturday, the organization put together two events to raise funding to continue offering a wealth of services to McKean County residents.
Angela Erway, the development and marketing director for the YWCA, armed with the support of her committees, YWCA sponsors and volunteers, hosted two inaugural events: Chasin’ Bacon and Swig & Swine.
Chasin’ Bacon was a child-friendly obstacle course held Saturday morning in Callahan Park, and Swig & Swine brought local adults together for adult beverages and bacon-flavored treats Saturday evening at the Bradford Township Community Club.
“Angela worked very hard, and has certainly, been making her mark helping the YWCA with a multitude of things,” said Vanessa Castano, YWCA executive director.
According to Erway, there were more than 200 pre-sold tickets the morning of Swig & Swine, with people still sending her messages showing interest.
There was live music playing throughout the event. Marshmellow Overcoat of Bradford opened up the stage for headlining band Marshall Law, which consists of Mick Marshall of Bradford, and Rick Gercak, Todd Brant and Matthew Queder, all of Pittsburgh.
While the bands played, guests mingled as they sampled different adult beverages and lots of bacon-flavored recipes from a multitude of vendors.
Jared Childs, a representative of Four Mile Brewery, which had a booth at the event, stated that his company “believes in synergy and trying to assist in growing awareness of groups that aid their fellow communities, like the YWCA.”
Participating vendors included Four Mile Brewery of Allegany and the Ellicottville Brewing Co., with the aid of Glenwood Distributors. Participating food vendors included A Slice of the 80’s, Beefeaters, Bradford Brew Station, DeLong Enterprises and White’s Culinary Artistry, and there were special bacon-flavored treats, such as bacon-flavored cotton candy, at the Lion’s Club station.
“Throughout the planning process, people kept telling me that we should not be discouraged if our first year did not go as planned, or, in other words, it was a flop,” said Erway. “Fortunately, I believe it was an incredibly successful fundraising event for the YWCA.”
The community’s response was enthusiastic, to say the least.
“With this being our inaugural event, we were uncertain if others would be as excited as we have been about a bacon and brews type of festival,” she said. “The response we received in sponsorship and ticket sales indicates to me that others do share in our excitement. The support of all of our sponsors and the dedication of all our volunteers is what made this event such a success. Our volunteers helped us to provide everything from the beverage tastings to the live music on the stage.”
The positive response gave the YWCA hope for future events.
“Now that we have established our YWCA signature events, we hope they will grow into something special to look forward to every summer.” Erway stated.
Erway and Castano said they would most certainly be making this an annual fundraising event.
Ticket-holders to this year’s event received a souvenir stainless steel cup, tastings from all participating beverage vendors, bacon-inspired samples from local restaurants, access to live music and entertainment
For further information about the event or for community services, the YWCA can be reached at http://ywcabradford.org.
