As a member of the Knights of Columbus and volunteer on the Garden Fest event, it was gratifying for me to see the many people and organizations giving us a hand to help make the fundraiser a success.
Growing together as a community, the third annual Garden Fest event received thumbs up for a profitable event in April. The 3-day event at Holy Rosary Hall was presented by the Knights of Columbus, council 2319 where I have been a proud member since 1990.
Pictured above in the feature photo for this article, left to right, K of C members Victor LaFratta, Tony Scalzi, Albert Ciamarra (kneeling) Carmen DeRose, Angelo Domanico, congratulated on a successful event by city councillor Jim Handley, and K of C member Paul Carfagnini.
Feature Photo – shown top of article
As an annual fundraiser, Garden Fest showed growing success this year by producing more than $3,200 in proceeds to be donated to charities as well as barrels of non-perishables collected for the SVDP Food Bank.
Many hands make light work at Garden Fest
Many hands make light work at Garden Fest. This idiom was shown to be true at the Garden Fest event by demonstrating how the heavy lifting and complicated event co-ordination can become easier, quicker, and feel lighter when the communtiy works together and a team of volunteers steps up.
The Knights of Columbus volunteers sold bags of fertilizer, grass seed, and filled bags of compost to help people in our community maintain healthy lawns and gardens. The fundraiser also featured a bottle collection, bottle drive, and barbecue on Saturday.
To help promote the event, a dedciated group of Knights also stepped up to deliver 5,000 flyers to local houses.
Thanks to Garden Fest Sponsors
Sponsor fees from local companies helped finance the event marketing. This sponsor support enables the Knights to donate proceeds to the participating charities. Thanks to our sponsors for their support:
- Henderson’s Pharmacy
- Bocchinfuso Funeral Home
- Big Red Market
- Foodland
VIP Prize Pack Donors
- City of Thorold: official City of Thorold jersey, sunglasses, mug
- Angelo Domanico: Karcher K2 Ergo Electric Pressure Washer
- Creekview Floral Co.: $40 Gift Certificate
- JC Patissier: $50 Gift Certificate
- Julie’s Tire & Auto: 2 x Gift Certificates. Value $39.95 each. Lube, Oil, Filter, plus 30 point inspection & tire rotation
Joe Saldarelli was the lucky winner of the Garden Fest VIP Prize Pack. The door prize package was stuffed with items donated from event partners. Visitors got a free ballot to enter in the draw for a chance to win the prize pack.
Thanks to Charity Partners
Charity partners helped us spread the word. The groups showed the community how we can grow together, while inspiring many patrons to give back in support of the services they provide. Thanks to our charity partners for all they do:
- Special Olympics
- Thorold Community Activities Group
- Wellspring Niagara
- SVDP Food Bank
Thanks to Event Partners
It takes many hands, and many organizations to lighten the load for a a successful event. This collaboration was also shown at Garden Fest by our community partners providing things we need to run a successful event.
- City of Thorold (supplying traffic barriers for safety and picnic tables)
- Walker Industries ( donation of compost)
- Thorold Community Credit Union (supplying tent and displaying sign)
- Impact Promotions (supplying printing and signs)
- Niagara Orchard and Vineyard Corp ( supplying fertilizer and grass seed)
- Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Parish ( use of the parking lot and hall)
Thanks to All Patrons
Let us also thank all the patrons who supported Garden Fest. Thanks to the customers who opened their wallet to make a purchase, and those who donated empty bottles, or helped us fill the barrles with non-perishables for the SVDP Food Bank. It all adds up with many hands.
Overall, Garden Fest was a successful event thanks to the many hands making the light work. Stay tuned for more good things coming soon in an announcement by the Knights of Columbus 2319.
Thanks!
Paul Carfagnini, K of C 2319, Member