Support the Fantastic Fundraising Events Announced for the Upcoming Year at North Belle Vernon Community Bank Park

Last Updated on Sunday, 04 March 2018 22:14

By Jill Runfola

With fundraisers for the NBV Community Bank Park’s playground’s equipment underway, participating in the park’s upcoming events will assist the goal and later help support the great park, which is crucially important.

Dek Hockey Tournament

The park is located at 702 Graham St., Belle Vernon, and the annual activities are a source of recreation for residents and profit for the NBV Community Bank Park.

Three big fundraiser events, one past, include: 1. Drag Queen Bingo on February 3; 2. A golf outing on August 25; and 3. A to-be-determined fundraiser, to be held with the NBV Fire Dept.

RJ Sokol, North Belle Vernon Council president and chair of the Parks and Recreation Department, said, “The next big fundraiser for us is our golf outing scheduled at Madison Golf Club. This will be a combined effort between us and the NBV Fire Dept. This will be the third year we are working together on this event. We are always selling advertisements where the local companies can increase their sales from the 20,000 unique visitors we are expecting this year.”

Lynn, Sokol’s wife and NBV Community Bank Parks and Recreation member, listed the events at the park for 2018:

The first function is the Easter Egg Hunt. This year’s hunt involves Bikers Helping Others, as they are providing a new bike for each group. The Easter Egg Hunt is sponsored by the Belle Vernon Lions Club, the NBV Community Bank Rec Commission and Bikers Helping Others. The date is March 31 at 11 a.m.
On Wednesday, May 16, from 5:30 – 8 p.m., the event is “Meet Your Elected State and County Elected Officials.” You may enjoy a free cookout, open to everyone, as you have face time with your state and county officials.
May 19 is Pet Adoption Day. Four animal shelters will bring their animals to the park for a rescue pet day. They will also be taking donations for the pets, to be shared equally among the pet adoption agencies in attendance. The hours will be from noon – 4 p.m.
On July 21 and 22, Bill’s Dek Hockey will run an open dek hockey tournament for all ages from all over. The NBV Community Bank facility will be utilized for younger kids and the larger Bill’s Dek Hockey facility is slated for use for the older and adult teams. For more information, contact Neil Morris at Bill’s Dek Hockey.
July 29 will be the Polkafest, featuring the Trel Tones from 2 – 6 p.m. This is a free and open event to the public. It should be a fun-filled day.
August 25 is the annual golf outing, held at Madison Golf Club with a shotgun start at 2 p.m. A major fundraiser for the year, people can help support the function via donating door prizes, golfing in the event, or sponsoring a tee sign.
September 15 is an arts festival and community day at the Park. This features live entertainment, a parade in town, vendor booths, and other activities. The parade starts at 1 p.m. and will be run by the NBV Fire Dept.
Lastly, November 17 is light-up night. Always open to the entire Mon Valley area, this event is a crowd pleaser. Santa will be brought to the park by the NBV Fire Dept. This will start at 6 p.m.

Please plan on attending the previously mentioned events for the year. Not only will a good time be had by all, but attending helps generate money to support the park. Sokol added, “Additionally, when it calls for it, we will be selling water, maybe half the take, and even food.” So, make time available in your schedule for the fun activities at the park.

Out of the 20,000 visitors this year, 35% came from Rostraver Township last year. They have visitors from as far as South Park, New Stanton, and Connellsville. They attribute their success to the park’s accessibility to the public, as the park being located off of interstate 70 and exit 42.

The highly publicized campaign to raise funds for handicapped-accessible additions for the park still requires donations and assistance from the public to become a reality. Also, as Lynn Sokol mentioned, “We are always accepting donations for our facility.” You may still send your donations to: NBV Recreation Commission, 503 Speers St., Belle Vernon, PA 15012.

For more information about events, visit the NBV Community Bank Park Facebook page.