2000 Turkeys campaign wraps up
If you were among the thousands of individuals, businesses and organizations who contributed to the 2000 Turkeys campaign this year, then give yourself a hand.
Because that’s what you did for Washington County families who might not otherwise have been able to enjoy a Thanksgiving dinner this year: You lent them a hand.
Thanks to the donations that poured in during the six-week campaign, 2000 Turkeys had raised an estimated $100,000 as of Wednesday morning that provided a turkey and all of the trimmings for more than 4,500 families throughout the county who are underemployed and unemployed. Canonsburg Mayor David Rhome estimates that additional donations, including a Range Resources contribution in which the company pledged to match all donations received between Tuesday and Thanksgiving, will bring the total to about $150,000.
The donations came in all sizes – from Shop ‘n Save owners Jeff and Bob Duritza and their employees at the Canonsburg and Washington stores, where donations and the sale of turkey placards raised $5,135 (over its five-year involvement with 2000 Turkeys, Shop ‘n Save has raised more than $22,000) to the $30 donation from Team Nautilus at North Strabane Intermediate School in Canon-McMillan School District. Students performed random acts of kindness during November and earned a quarter from a classmate for each kind deed. Seven-year-old Daniel Barrett raised $750 in a kick-a-thon sponsored by Kang’s Black Belt Academy.
Marcellus Shale companies donated $9,950, and Range Resources employees raised $900 through a chili cook-off and contributions.
Each week, students, business owners and club members crowded into the WJPA radio station – a media sponsor, along with the Observer-Reporter – and pledged to help their neighbors celebrate Thanksgiving.
John Clayton, community banking manager at Washington Financial Bank, said, “Our $2,000 donation is given in the true spirit of Thanksgiving. We are thankful for our blessings, our community and our nation.”
2000 Turkeys is the largest single fundraiser on behalf of the Greater Washington County Food Bank and its 38 neighborhood pantries, which distribute the dinners. The food bank has established qualification guidelines for families who receive the Thanksgiving dinners.
The fundraiser brought food bank Director Lisa Nuccetelli to tears Wednesday.
2000 Turkeys began in 1983 when former columnist Byron Smialek, civic activist Wayne Armstrong and Grace Hopwood, formerly of WJPA, joined forces to raise money for turkeys for 2,000 Washington County workers who had lost their jobs in a bad economy.
The original 2000 Turkeys board has passed the torch to state Sen. Tim Solobay, Canonsburg Mayor David Rhome, WJPA DJ Pete Povich, Range Resources Director of Corporate Communications Matt Pitzarella and O-R writer Karen Mansfield.
“I’m so proud to live in Washington County, where the community really cares about the people here. When you sit down to Thanksgiving dinner, you can feel good knowing that you helped make a difference,” said Rhome.
Thanks to the following who generously donated to the campaign this week:
Kang’s Black Belt Academy, E. Jeffrey Jox Kick-a-thon 2012 $4132
Washington County Health Center $634
W C. Dinsmore Trucking $150
Washington County Health Center Auxiliary $100
George & Joan Postlethwait $25
Frank & Jan Hixenbaugh $25
In memory of Anthony F. Brach from Janet W. Brach $20
In memory of our beloved brother Barnard Gareis a.k.a. Buddy Sharpe from Richard E. & June McKitrick $30
Washington Square Flower Shop $50
Joe’s Bakery $30
Michael & Anna Lucas $100
Linda Carrozza $40
Red Knights Motorcycle Club $500
Dianne & Richard Bednarski $20
United Labor Committee of Washington County $250
Joyce Spridik $50
Ronald & Barbara Cianelli $50
Gaylord McMurdy Jr. $20
Michael & Nicole Kazmarski $20
Howard & Shirley Rhome $25
Dave Tomaceski $20
Al Murdoch $40
IU1 at Clark, Staff & Students $35
Range Resources Employees $870
Terry & Karen Bennett $35
In memory of Carol Crouch from Cynthia & Gene Beattie $25
Women’s Dartball League $100
Canon McMillan Class of 1962 in honor of our 50th reunion $200
Sandra & Denny Phillips $50
Faith United Presbyterian Church, Outreach Team $65
In memory of Ann Mitchell from Timothy Jones $25
Joseph & Laverne Mals $30
In loving memory of Harry H. Uram from Loretta & Rhonda Uram $25
Nicholas & Wendy Kuzy $20
Larry & Joanne Romboski $50
Gregory & Elizabeth Bruckner $25
Howard Isenberg family $20
Jeffrey & Cynthia Derrico $25
Stephen Dimarzio Sr. $20
Harry & Jane Ladley $20
Nancy Bular $25
Mr. Gyros, Inc. $100
John & Dorothy Zollars $20
Whip Em Baits $100
Debbie O’Dell Seneca $100
Sam’s Pizza $1000
Otis Spicer $20
Thomas & Peggy Northrop $100
Thomas & Debra Jordan $25
Michael & Carla Mast $25
Francis & Louise Horne $25
Canonsburg Shop ‘n Save $5135
Hog Fathers $2100
Al ‘n Ruben’s $202.30
Canon-McMillan High School Teachers $72.40
Elegant Image $25
Darla Rhome $10
White Eagles Lodge No. 1746, Canonsburg $300
Imperial Cleaners $129.74
August & Ada Rose $30.25
Anonymous $1177