2,000 Turkeys raises more than $110,000
Washington County, you’re amazing.
To say the annual 2,000 Turkeys drive surpassed its goal to raise $100,000 for the Greater Washington County Food Bank and Washington County neighbors in need would be an understatement.
Thanks to Washington County individuals, families, schools, organizations and businesses, the 2019 campaign raised more than $110,000.
The goal was surpassed Wednesday, when DeFY Security in Canonsburg presented a $5,000 donation and Kang’s Black Belt Academy and Liberty Pole Spirits of Washington brought $2,000 donations to WJPA Radio. Family Dollar stores and Washington Elks Lodge also chipped in sizable donations.
Those donations are among the thousands, big and small, that poured in over the last month-and-a-half to make sure every Washington County family in need had a Thanksgiving dinner on Thanksgiving Day.
The 2,000 Turkeys board, Food Bank, and those families who were able to celebrate a Thanksgiving meal together Thursday, thank you for your generosity and your spirit of giving.
We recognize the significance of surpassing the goal, and we are overwhelmed, humbled and grateful for the response to this year’s drive.
“The efforts of so many people could not have been accomplished if it wasn’t for the generosity of the people and businesses of Washington County that enabled those in need to have a Thanksgiving dinner,” said Dave Rhome, who serves on the 2000 Turkeys board, along with Pete Povich, Karen Mansfield and Laural Ziemba.
2,000 Turkeys, a grassroots effort that was co-founded in 1983 by the late Byron Smialek and Wayne Anderson as a seasonal food event for the unemployed, has grown into a tradition for Washington County for the local families, schools and businesses that provide Thanksgiving meals for families who meet the eligibility requirements established by the Food Bank.
And, we also thank WJPA Radio and the Observer-Reporter for their continued support.
And, here’s more good news: DeFY Security CEO Justin Domachowski announced Wednesday the company is pledging $25,000 for the 2000 Turkeys campaign in 2020, giving the nonprofit a head start on making Thanksgiving possible for local families.
What can we say?
Just, thank you.
Thank you, thank you, to the following for the generous donations:
The Guzel family, $50
Robert Anderson, $30
The family, in memory of sisters Jackie Jarosz and Mary Bell Nixon
Robert and Sharon Muntan, $50
George Toward, $30
Sheila Carter, $25
Donald Battistone, $50
Debra Wilkes, $25
Gerald Mellinger, $25
John and Jamie Michalka, $50
Paul Manfredi, $25
Anonymous, $100
Patrick and Debbie Guyton, $25
Terry and Janet Houston, in memory of Dominic and Edna Aloia and Boyd and Evelyn Houston, $50
First Baptist Church of Burgettstown, $100
William Kottner Jr. MD, $150
Fawcett United Methodist Church Elizabeth Hartman Circle, $100
Fawcett United Methodist Church Men, $100
Richard Kubacki Sr. and Patricia Kubacki, $30
David and Donna Holliday, $50
Joseph Meyer, $250
Gerald and Roberta Walker, $25
Gary Johnson, $500
David and Nancy Rostcheck, $50
Keith and Denise Rosmus, in memory of Andrew Gil Kuchera Sr. and Ed and Betty Rosmus, $50
Douglas and Angela Minton, $100
Mark and Donna McVehil, $25
David and Michelle White, $50
David and Karen Galentine, $100
Pamela Broadhead, $50
David and Victoria Cushey, $25
Kenneth and Eileen Augustine, $100
Houston Take Off Pounds Sensibly (TOPS) Group, $25
Mary Lou Barton, $25
Jim, Joann and Buddy Hockenberry, $50
P.C.and A.M. Soulakis, $25
Adolph Schilinski, $25
Edward and Charlane Bickar, $25
William Domick, $40
Pauline Manko, $35
Frank and Linda Brooks, $25
Diane, Ralph, Myresa and Tyler Troiano, $40
George Silvers, in memory of my mother, Jean Silvers, and my wife, Patricia Silvers, $50
Duritza’s Enterprises Shop ‘N Save, $4,532
Roger and Deborah Metcalfe, $50
Jackson Hutchinson, $50
Serena and Gavin Durkin,$50
In memory of George and Kate, $50
For Sherry, Megan and Luke, $50
Beth Kovacicek, $25
Kathy Borelli, $50
Robert and Sandra Reck, $25
Anonymous, $150
Anonymous, $50
Terry and Susan Hazlett, $100
Greater Canonsburg Senior Citizens, $250
Joe’s Bakery, $40
Glen Martin, $25
Francis and Louise Horne, $50
Mary Alice Susko, $500
The Gateway Engineers, $1,000
Green Blades Lawn Care, $100
Margaret and Michael Ross, $25
Advanced Oilfield Services, $250
Chapman Corp., $500
Cary and Kristen Jones, $25
Mark Golden Jr., $100
Jacob and Lauren Kreutzman, $300
Susan and Edward Conkle, $50
Linda Danley, $25
D.E. Wolbert, $20
Fanatic Impressions, $100
Grace Hopwood and John Ware, in memory of Byron and Wayne, $200
Friends with Diana, $100
Stephanie Rizor, $50
Margaret Frazier, $50
Michael Mast, $25
Nancy Verderber, $20
Avella Area High School, $140
Canton Township, $240
Lisa Bruce, $40
Judy and Dave Vargo, $50
Courtroom No. 5 Turkey Tree,$500