Windber's Barrons organize charity event for Shriners' hospitals Oct. 28
SOMERSET ― Chet and Paula Barron of Windber believe in charity causes.
That's why after Chet joined the Somerset Masonic Lodge No. 358 last year and Paula joined the Trinity Chapter No. 138 Order of the Eastern Star earlier this year, they decided to organize a charity event for the Shriners hospitals for children with this particular fundraiser going to Erie.
The Halloween Spooktacular Basket Party for Shriners hospitals will be held from 6-10 p.m. Saturday at the Somerset Masonic Temple, with a free meal with the purchase of raffle tickets, door prizes and a basket raffle. The event is family friendly and costumes are encouraged.
In fact, the Barrons have collected almost 150 baskets and additional items and hope to add to those things in order to reach a goal of 200 baskets by the event.
How it got started
It all started this past summer when they wanted to do more for Shriners hospitals, so they mailed 250 letters to area businesses and organizations on Aug. 1. It snowballed from there.
"In the letter, we included a list of ideas for donations for the event," said Paula. "Within two weeks, stuff started to roll in and it kept going from there. It turned out to be much bigger than we expected."
In addition to many varied baskets, there are gift certificates from many restaurants, area shows and attractions including a train ride. There is also a three-piece Conceal Carry Purse set, handcrafted wooden items like a rocking airplane and a rolling cow ride-on toy made by Luther Gibbons of Central City and an outdoor planter made by Walter Hayes of Mineral Point. DC Goldsmithing in the Galleria Mall designed and crafted a one-of-a-kind necklace. There is also going to be a 10-ounce silver bar donated by Colonial Gold and Silver, Hell's Kitchen pots and pan sets, food and toys among many other things.
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Drawings start at 8 p.m.
The basket drawing will begin at 8 p.m., the 50/50 will be drawn at 9 p.m. There will be sheets of 26 tickets for purchase with the purchaser selecting their chosen baskets for an opportunity to win. There will be special tickets for high-end baskets that are valued at more than $100. The meal is included with the purchase of raffle tickets. Also, there will be a disc jockey playing and there will be dancing later. Children can decorate cookies as well.
The Barrons are asking anyone who attends to bring a new stuffed animal to contribute to the children who are patients at the Shriners hospital in Erie. Those stuffed animals will be donated along with the final check to Shriners.
Projects get bigger
Chet Barron is both a Mason and Eastern Star member in Somerset, where he serves as associate patron, and his wife, Paula, is an Eastern Star and serves as Starpoint Adah.
They have been supporting Shriners on a monthly basis. Then, they were touched by the Shriner cause and decided to do more and got involved in local events. Each year the events and their involvement got a little bigger and this year as they planned this event, it grew out of their wildest dreams.
"Most people think of the Shriners as those funny guys in the fez hats in parades. They are more than the fun guys in parades as they are founded on the principle of a brotherhood of men of great character, compassion and strong values who are committed to family, fellowship and making the world a better place," said Chet. "Even in Somerset, people forget the Masons are here. With this event, we want to raise awareness for Shriners and the Somerset Masons. We are helping the community on a regular basis but many don't even know we are here."
Six Masonic organizations will converge by being represented at this event and making a donation. They are:Somerset Masonic Lodge No. 358 of the Grand Lodge of Pa.; Trinity Chapter No. 138 Order of the Eastern Star Grand Chapter of Pa.; Portage Royal Chapter N. 195 of the Grand Holy Royal Arch Chapter of Pa.; Cambria Council No. 32 Royal and Select Master Masons of the Grand Council of Royal Master Mason of Pa.; Oriental Commandery No. 61 Knights Templar of the Grand Commandery of Knights Templar of Pa.; and Jaffa Shriners of the Shriners International.
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Choice of service for Masons, Shriners
Chet Barron pointed out that all Shriners are Masons but not all Masons are Shriners because it is a choice of service. He said that Shriners are called to help the less fortunate, especially children who suffer from burns and crippling diseases because this is their institutional calling. Shriners are also patriots, each willing to serve his country with fidelity and courage and they cherish independence under law and freedom with responsibility.
Shriners hospitals were officially established in 1922 and the Shriners continue to support these hospitals to this day, he said.
Paula Barron said she and her husband believe strongly in helping charity because someone gave to them years ago when they needed assistance. The Barrons helped bake gob cakes for a charity event that served hundreds for a deceased Johnstown police officer's family. They also supported their church, which adopted a mother with seven children. They help with a backpack program regularly and the list goes on.
"Helping for charity has always been our passion," Paula said. "This is our purpose and we believe everyone should adopt that purpose because you never know when you may need help. The Shriners have been helping families at their hospitals since 1922 and they are compassionate about serving others through this need. We hope everyone comes out for this event and contributes to this wonderful cause at the same time."
For anyone who would like to donate a basket, gift certificate or other item, contact Chet Barron at 814-442-2965.The Barrons are accepting donations until the doors open at 6 p.m. Oct. 28 at the Somerset Masonic Temple.
This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Windber couple believe in charity causes and step up to raise funds
