Farrell's Growing Tree fundraiser to benefit community projects

Melissa Klaric, The Herald, Sharon, Pa.
·2 min read

Oct. 31—FARRELL — The city of Farrell is turning over a new leaf with its Growing Tree fundraiser.

The Growing Tree, drawn in the council chambers in the city building, will benefit community projects identified by the city's Strategic Planning and Economic Development committee.

SPED projects include neighborhood beautification, recreation expansion and community events.

Councilman Carminal Craig said he thought this would benefit the community, as a similar fundraiser did well in his church.

"I wanted to come up with a creative way to help out our community and support projects that do so," Craig said. "By providing a tangible way for people to see their dollars in action, we believe it will encourage more to donate to the Growing Tree project."

The tree was drawn on one wall by local artist Phillip-Romar Pinkins, 36, of Sharon. The 2005 Farrell Area High School graduate, who has been following his artistic calling since he was 7, owns Custom Wheels Plus in Struthers, Ohio, where he paints murals on cars and other custom work.

"It feels really good to be a part of this project," Pinkins said. "I think supporting our community and our kids is something we need to do."

Pinkins painted the tree in the spring during the evenings over a couple weeks.

People and businesses that donate will have their names placed on apples for the tree, with different colors representing the sizes of the gifts.

Apple levels include platinum — $2,500; bronze — $1,500; gold — $1,000; red — $500; and a tree leaf will be added for any donation of $200 or lower.

"Our goal is to fill the tree with a variety of apple colors and leaves so as people enter the municipal building, they can see the project grow and expand, and see a visual of community support," Craig said.

Mayor Kimberly Doss said she is looking forward to the expansion of the Growing Tree.

"The purpose of this fundraiser is to support and grow our community projects," Doss said. "It's also important that it's located in our council chambers so that the public can watch the project's progress."

City officials are looking forward to filling the tree with apples and leaves so they can paint a second tree on the other side of the room in council chambers.

"By doing projects such as these, it helps our community be a part of helping out their community and their neighbors," said Ben Prescott, city manager.

Follow Melissa Klaric on twitter @HeraldKlaric or email her at mklaric@sharonherald.com