Hempfield fundraiser raises almost $12,500 for scholarships

Megan Tomasic | Tuesday, April 9, 2019 2:58 p.m.

Students line up outside the Hempfield Area High School, as summer break comes to an end, during the first day of classes, on Monday, Aug. 28, 2017.

Almost $12,500 was raised during Hempfield Area School District’s recent cash bash event.

The money, raised through donations and fundraising, will go toward scholarships and educational grants for teachers.

Held at the Youngwood Fire Hall on March 23, 333 tickets were sold, each with a three digit number on it. Every 15 minutes numbers were drawn announcing the winners of a cash prize.

The four-hour event also had a big basket raffle, 50/50, strip tickets, food and drinks. The cash bash was started last year, and has sold out both times, said Pamela Gibasiewicz, school board secretary.

“It’s a lot of work, but it pays off in the end,” Gibasiewicz said.

The cash bash is the second of the year, Gibasiewicz said, the first raising about $3,000. In November or December, letters are sent out to retirees requesting donations. Gibasiewicz added, “our retirees are very generous.”

A way to raise money for scholarships and grants, the fundraiser is part of the Hempfield Area School District Scholarship and Charitable Foundation Funds, established in 2011.

Since it was started, the organization has awarded over $43,800 in scholarships and grants.