By Rachel Basinger

Published: Thursday, December 6, 2012, 9:32 p.m.
Updated: Tuesday, January 29, 2013

The advisory board of the Connellsville Community Center continues to look for ways to raise money to keep the center going.

Board members said Thursday during their weekly meeting, last weekend's Christmas in the Community event was a success.

Now members are looking for the board's next big fundraiser.

Last weekend's Christmas in the Community raised $1,974.74 from Christmas tree auctions, concessions and various raffles.

In the upcoming months, the board would like to see a “Community Market” set up in the halls of the center. The market would be a place for craft vendors or flea market participants to come and sell their items.

The Rev. Ron Michaux, who is on the advisory board, suggested the center hold this type of market once a month on the first weekend, possibly on both Saturday and Sunday.

His goal would be to have 100 tables or more rented out to the vendors at a set price through pre-registration.

Cost of the table rentals, times the market will be open and when the first market will be held will continue to be hashed out.

“I think we need to do a little work on this between now and the next meeting, and come back with details,” said advisory board Chairman Jim McIntire.

McIntire is hoping to have City Councilman Greg Ritch and Mayor Charlie Matthews come to the next advisory board meeting that is scheduled for Jan. 3 at 5:30 p.m. to give the board some input on what direction the city plans to head in 2013 in regards to the community center.

“We don't want to go to the right if they're going to the left at the fork in the road,” he said.

McIntire reported support from the community is evident. The local Moose donated $500 to the center, the Polish Club donated $150 and an anonymous individual donated $2,000.

The board decided to put the donations and money raised from the Christmas in the Community — a total of $4,624.75 — in a special account for building maintenance.

Rachel Basinger is a freelance writer.

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