Give-A-Christmas goal surpassed
With a donation of $19,097.31, the Albert Gallatin Education Association raised nearly half of this year’s Give-A-Christmas campaign goal of $40,000.
“We would not have been able to reach our goal this year without the generosity displayed by the Albert Gallatin Education Association,” said Sparkle, the Christmas star and campaign mascot. “It is truly a blessing.”
Individual schools in the district contributed to the nearly $20,000 that was raised, including A.L. Wilson Elementary, with a donation of $1,712.17; D. Ferd Swaney Elementary, with a donation of $2,790; Friendship Hill Elementary, with a donation of $1,454.59; George J. Plava Elementary, with a donation of $2,479.37; Masontown Elementary, with a donation of $1,275; Smithfield Elementary, with a donation of $3,978; Albert Gallatin North Junior High, with a donation of $1,140.37; Albert Gallatin South Junior High, with a donation of $3,099.09; and Albert Gallatin High School, with a donation of $1,168.72.
“The celebration and joy that typically accompany the holiday season can be dampened by financial challenges, especially in this troubled economy,” the association wrote. “The Albert Gallatin Education Association would like to express great appreciation to the students and parents of the Albert Gallatin School District, as well as the faculty, staff and administration, for their efforts to alleviate these financial challenges for local families. Through their efforts, the association has, once again, been able to donate generously to this worthy cause.”
After tallying Monday’s donations of $24,070.66, Sparkle announces that the final amount raised in the 2013 Give-A-Christmas campaign is $47,670.57, far exceeding its goal of $40,000 to benefit the Salvation Army.
“Thanks to all the Herald-Standard readers who have given so generously to this campaign,” said Sparkle. “We are so thankful for every dollar and all the efforts that went into each gift. Our readers know this money stays in the area, with each donation going to the local branch of the Salvation Army that serves the contributor’s community. Each year is a memorable year, but this was even more special because we exceeded our goal by so much.”
The final donations came from Uniontown, New Salem, Hopwood, Perryopolis, Fairchance, Masontown, Brownsville, Chalk Hill, Farmington, Hiller, Smithfield, Lemont Furnace, Mill Run, Point Marion, Crucible, Star Junction, Adah, Carmichaels, and East Millsboro. Many included nice notes.
“The Carmichaels Area Mighty Mikes came to Sparkle’s rescue! Lead by our fearless librarian, Mrs. Cassie Menhart, we Mikes gobbled ‘Sparkle sweets’ and sent the results of the sale,” wrote the Mighty Mikes.
Patty and Wil Campbell, who donated in memory of their dads, Guffy Gasparatz and Arthur Campbell, wrote “Thanks for all the good you do. Merry Christmas.”
“I want to thank the Lord for reminding us there are people who have less than we do and for calling on us to help them,” wrote Mary Porter, who gave in memory of her lifelong friend “Tully” Ruth Rankin.
“God bless you and all the good you do,” wrote Ron and Eleanor Honsaker, who gave in memory of their parents, Glenn and Edith Honsaker and Charles and Annabelle Livengood; their brothers, Robert Honsaker and Thomas Livengood, and sister, Dorothy Livengood-Wilson.
“We recently attended the 40th anniversary of Norm and Idette Berkshire. Instead of giving them a gift, we decided to honor them through this program,” wrote Rosemary and Tim Berkshire. “I know that this will make them smile and those on the receiving end.”
Margaret E. Caven Shrine wrote, “With the hustle and bustle during the holiday season, let us remember it is thoughtfulness, kindness, hope and friendship that truly brighten the season and year.”
Other donors included the Ethnic Craft Club of St. John Byzantine Catholic Church; Linda and Alice Conn, who gave in loving memory of Dick Conn and Chuckie “Dawg” Conn; Alexis Grimm, age 9, Sidney Grimm age 11 and Tyler Wall, age 2; Uniontown Chapter 263 Order of Eastern Star; Mary Ann Kaufman, who gave in memory of her husband Ron Kaufman, nephew Scott Vrabel and brother-in-law Charles “Buddy” Lomatchko; AJ and Rosalie; Michael, Rose, Michael A. and Toyia Gabeletto, who gave in honor of their “children” Sheldon Lee, Cotton, Romeo, Brigitte, Jamie and Santana; Dan and Paula O’Connell, who gave in loving memory of Judge William Franks, Louis Franks, Patsy Franks, Bill Jordan and dear friend Lois Costella; Lisa, Rick and Breanna Muha, who gave in memory of beloved parents and grandparents Elizabeth Muha, Robert Luther and Dock and Sis Martello; Anastasia Thomas and Ted Mincer, who gave in memory of their parents, Marie and Frank Cenky and Inez and Edward Mincer, and also in honor and memory of the troops and veterans who have helped to keep freedom in America; Roy and Sharyn Giovannelli; Miles and Debbie Baker; Harry and Robin Shine, who gave in memory of father Vernon Curtis; Susan Toth; Mike and Sharon Hancak, who gave in loving memory of parents John and Ann Hancak and Jack Patterson; Charlotte Miller, who gave in memory of her dog Happy, who passed away Jan. 29 at 18 years of age; members of Farmington Bethel Church and Women’s Fellowship; Pam Pontorero, Yvonne Packroni and Mickey Bezjak, who gave in memory of their loved ones; the third annual Hlastala ugly Christmas sweater party, from Rich and Jodi Hlastala and friends; Dave and Cherie Pursglove, who gave in honor of their grandchildren Landon Robert and Harper Noelle Crable; Sylvia Roger, for the health of Fran Zajac; Joyce Stoker-Franks and Matthew Franks, who gave in memory of parents and grandparents Arley Sr. and Mary Stoker; teachers and students from Uniontown High School spirit week; Marcie Pierce and family, who gave in memory of Ann and Robert Gilbert and Sonny; RW Clark Elementary School; Laurie and Carl Micarelli; Mark and Linda O’Keefe; the Van Swearingen family, who gave in memory of their loved ones; Carl Rossi in memory of Anne Sages; Judy Pratt, in memory of her husband; Judy and Richard Moffitt, who gave in memory of Stanley and Dorothy Maciasz, Henry Moffitt, Walter Moffitt and Molly; Grace Chapel Presbyterian Church; Ohiopyle-Stewart Volunteer Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary; Cub Scout Pack 608, who gave in memory of Kenneth Jeffries; Benita, Kenny, Paul, Keith and Liz and grandkids Nina, Jesse, Jack and Anna, who gave in memory of their friend Jim Tweardy; Jan F. and Mary Ann, Jon, Tesauro, who gave in memory of the Squirek and Tesauro families; the Point Marion Rotary Club; Audrey Gallo; Janet Michael; Jack and Evelyn Suder; Joseph and Marie Shwallon; Lucy David, who gave in memory of her husband Simon “Junebug” David and the VanSickle and David families; Pam Ugolini and Randy Queer and Fluffy too; Robert and Tammy Stuck, who gave in memory of Kathy Tunney Filburn; the family of John F. Campbell donated in his memory; Elizabeth and Thomas Gorman; Neubauer’s Ladies Night Out; Patty and Missy Clay, who gave in memory of parents and grandparents Joseph and Eleanor Clay; Lillian Yanik, who gave in honor of grandchildren Adam, Seth, Sophia, Isabelle, Lucia, Angelica Yanik, Bobbi Jo, Bill and Howie Johnson, MacKenzie Over and Hunter, too; Joyce and Darrell Smith, who gave in honor of their grandchildren Austin, Alexis and April Wivell, Caileigh, Braden, Maeve, Ellie and Enzo Carei, Bailey, Emily and Eppie Gammon; and Ruby and Jim Reckard, who gave in memory of their parents Lydia and Andrew Kukla. Two anonymous donations also came from Uniontown.
“It is a Merry Christmas because together we have accomplished so much for the benefit of those in need,” said Sparkle. “On behalf of the Herald-Standard and the Salvation Army, thanks to all the Herald-Standard readers who generously sent donations. We wish you peace and good health in 2014 and look forward to seeing you next year.”