Blessed Sacrament in Greensburg readies 'Home for the Holidays' fundraiser
Dec. 4—From golf to gift certificates to spa days and symphony concerts, Blessed Sacrament Cathedral Parish in Greensburg will have something for everyone in its "Home for the Holidays," a fundraiser for the church's Bethlehem Project housing ministry.
This year's theme is "The 12 Baskets of Christmas."
"We've expanded the number of baskets to 12 to recognize the 12 Days of Christmas," said Suzanne English, president for the Bethlehem Project board of advisors.
After holding the event virtually the past two years, English said organizers are looking forward to hosting it in person.
It will be held at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 11, at the church, 300 Main St.
It will feature a dozen holiday-themed raffle baskets with items from local businesses and individuals. Tickets are $10 each for a chance on one of the baskets.
About 98% of all "Home for the Holidays" donations will go directly to provide shelter and support for the homeless.
Baskets include packages at area golf courses, including Ligonier Country Club, Hannastown Country Club, Greensburg Country Club and Totteridge Golf Course, holiday spirits, gift certificates from J. Corks, and Beeghly & Co. in Greensburg, a Jafra spa basket, a wide variety of holiday sweets and snacks, Westmoreland Symphony tickets and more.
"The proceeds help families and individuals who are facing housing challenges," English said.
"While we help these neighbors of ours throughout the year, it's especially important to remember them with our generosity and assistance during this season, when we celebrate the birth of Jesus in a manger in Bethlehem," she added.
The project supports three Westmoreland homeless shelters: The Welcome Home Shelter and Blackburn Center in Greensburg and the Union Mission in Latrobe.
The initiative has raised more than $1 million and assisted more than 2,700 families since it began in 1998. The Bethlehem Project will mark its 25th anniversary next year.
Emergency shelter and rental assistance is available through the program for people and families in danger of homelessness in the central Westmoreland communities of Bovard, Derry, Forbes Road, Grapeville, Greensburg, Hannastown, Hunker, Jeannette, Luxor, Mt. Pleasant, New Alexandria, New Derry, New Stanton, Penn Borough, West Newton and Youngwood.
For raffle tickets or more information, call Blessed Sacrament Cathedral at 724-834-3710.
Patrick Varine is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Patrick by email at pvarine@triblive.com or via Twitter .
