Local philanthropic group the Circus Saints and Sinners recently donated $10,000 to the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley. The funds were generated from the 12th Annual Party in the Park fundraiser presented by Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration.
Party in the Park Chairman Paul Smith cited the United Way’s broad scope as a motivating factor behind choosing the organization as this year’s recipient of the proceeds.
“The Saints and Sinners are happy to again make another five-figure donation to a local charity,” said Smith. “And we can’t think of one that makes a bigger impact than the United Way and its 32 member agencies. Whether its children, the elderly or families that have fallen on hard times, the United Way serves the entire community, and we’re honored to partner with them.”
Smith also stressed the importance of the involvement of the local business community in making the donation possible.
“Social responsibility – the belief that a business has an obligation to act for the benefit of society – is a buzz word you often hear today,” Smith said. “And time and again, businesses and organizations in the Ohio Valley demonstrate that ideal by supporting their friends and neighbors in need. The Contraguerro family and Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration are perfect examples of good corporate citizens. Without them, and our many other generous sponsors, we couldn’t do what we do.”
In addition to platinum sponsor Panhandle, gold sponsors included Stratford Steak and Seafood, Frank Carolla, Wheeling Hospital and AEP Mitchell Plant. Sponsoring at the silver level were The Monteverde Group, Yourkovich and Associates, Pickles Eatery and Bar, Main Street Bank, DeFelice Bros. Pizza, Tri-State Exterminating and Mountaineer Brewfest.
PHOTO CAPTION: Shown are sponsors and Circus Saints and Sinners officials presenting a $10,000 check from the 12th Annual Party in the Park fundraiser to the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley. Front row from left, Thea Gompers of Wheeling Hospital, Digger Lee of DeFelice Bros. Pizza, Brian Vossen of Tri-State Exterminating and Kathy Philips of AEP. Second row from left, Mike Siebieda of Mountaineer Brewfest, Bobby Rhys of Pickles Eatery and Bar, Frank Carolla, Party in the Park Chairman Paul Smith, United Way Executive Director Jessica Rine, Jeff Yourkovich of Yourkovich and Associates, Saints and Sinners President Pat Zadrozny, Bob Contraguerro, Sr. of Panhandle Cleaning and Restoration, Doug Pell of Main Street Bank and Gary West of Stratford Steak and Seafood.