Local business’ fundraising efforts benefit nearby non-profit
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By JOEL CUTHBERT
OBSERVER Staff Writer
Tina's Hallmark in the D&F Plaza recently used an event designed to reward customer loyalty and support as an opportunity to raise support for the Silver Creek Food Pantry.
On Friday, Sept. 25, Tina's Hallmark joined 15 other sister stores throughout Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties - as well as one in Bradford, PA, and Rochester - in hosting a Girls' Night Out event. As part of this chain store-wide customer appreciation event, each selected and raised funds for a particular charitable organization in their area, with the Silver Creek Food Pantry benefiting locally.
"I figured they needed the help because of everything Silver Creek went through (during the Aug. 10 flood)," Michelle Mroczka, store manager of Tina's Hallmark in the D&F Plaza, said of her decision to raise food and funds for the pantry.
During the event, Mroczka said the entire store was on special from 5:30 to 8 p.m. to thank customers for their continued support. The store also offered additional in-store specials, prize giveaways every half hour, and food and refreshments throughout the event.
As the store did this, Mroczka said they asked customers to donate non-perishable food items or monetary contributions to benefit the Silver Creek Food Pantry.
"She had called me last month and said that they were going to do this (Girls' Night Out event) and that they were going to try and raise some money and some food, and they had picked our Silver Creek Food Pantry," Margaret Gorndt, assistant director of Silver Creek Food Pantry, explained.
In the end, the store raised $25 and collected 40-50 food items for the pantry.
"Any amount is wonderful to go to the pantry," Gorndt said afterward.
The Silver Creek Food Pantry is located behind the Creation Station and VFW in the village of Silver Creek. Pantry hours are every Friday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., as well as evening hours every third Friday of the month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Since the Silver Creek Food Pantry is an emergency service provider, those in need can also call Colleen McKenna at 934-4570 or Margaret Gorndt at 934-2970.
