Monroeville Public Library’s fourth annual mini-golf fundraiser — with its custom 19-hole course — was in full swing Feb. 21.
At the first mini-golf fundraiser, the library rented a course. In subsequent years, library officials decided to build and use their own, which they’ve rented on occasion to other libraries.
“We have people come back year after year,” said Nicole Henline, director of the library. “They look forward to it, and we’re so happy that they do.”
Family sessions started at 10 a.m., and more than 300 golfers join in the fun. Tickets included a round of golf, snacks and a special prize for kids.
More than 100 people attended the adult night, starting at 6 p.m. That session included unlimited golf, food and drinks. Among the offerings was a brownie bar, homemade ice cream, tacos, beer and margaritas.
“Where else are you going for $40 and have unlimited food, drinks, golf and fun,” said Alice Rathjen, the library’s head of public relations. “There are so many great things happening. People get to chat and relax. It makes for a wonderful Saturday night.”
The fundraiser saw a lot of familiar faces, including Amy Creeks from Zelienople, who attends every year with her nephew, a Monroeville resident.
Monroeville Manager Alex Graziani and state Rep. Brandon Markosek also were in attendance. Markosek, who sponsored hole No. 1, said it’s good to see people having fun at an enjoyable Monroeville outing.
“It’s a nice community event,” Markosek added. “And it’s a great way to meet your neighbors.”
The library also welcomed new participants, including Lisa Absher of Florida.
Absher moved to the Monroeville area less than two years ago. She decided to attend after reading in the paper last year that one hole encompasses the first and second floor.
“I said I had to see it this year,” Absher said. “It’s the whole reason I came.”
Henline noted the fundraiser couldn’t happen without the help of the library staff, their families and volunteers, as well as all of the sponsors.
“The best part is that the community gets to walk around the entire library and see things they maybe didn’t know about or see before,” Henline said.
Monroeville Public Library thanked the following hole sponsors: Markosek, S&T Bank, Irwin Interiors System, Nothing Bundt Cakes, ARK Basement Services, Monroeville Recreation & Parks, the Municipality of Monroeville, Kylie Henline, Turtle Creek Valley Rotary Club, Magill’s Towing & Recovery, Divine Mercy Academy, Gateway High School’s Quasics Robotics Club and Mangretta Landscaping.
The library also expressed gratitude for the inflatable sponsors: J.A. Rutter Co., LPL Financial, Friends of the Monroeville Public Library, Fyzical Therapy & Balance Centers, Cindy and Paul Lucas, Sound Advice Entertainment, East Suburban Sports Medicine Center, Sampson Family YMCA and Periwinkle Blue Solutions.
