The weather kept many people away from St. Susan Center's fifth annual basket fair, Over the Rainbow, but it did not prevent many more from attending the fun event. More than 250 people showed up at Chautauqua Suites and enjoyed a great lunch provided by Olives, an afternoon of fabulous prize winning and were able to leave before the roads were too bad to get safely home. 

Of the ninety more who knew they would not be able to attend the event and purchased tickets to be placed in absentia, many received welcome calls on Monday informing them that they had won. All told, the event involved donations from more than 150 individuals and businesses, nearly 350 drawing participants and many volunteers who set the stage and kept things moving throughout the day. The net proceeds is not yet known, but it is over $3,500, better than any previous basket fair. 

The presentation everyone waited for anxiously was the drawing of the name of the person who won the autographed Ryan Miller Sabres jersey. When the name of 10 year old Ryan Gustafson was announced by emcee Dennis Webster of WJTN and Media One Group, the entire place stood and applauded. The look on his face was priceless, as was his prize.

Proceeds will be used to buy food for the growing number of individuals who seek help from the Jamestown soup kitchen each day. Last year that number exceeded 106,000. 

A sincere thanks is extended to all from the basket fair committee: Toni Bellitto, past board member; Susan Colwell, the Centers staff coordinator; Judy Christian, executive director; Lisa Haglund, new board member; CJ Kelley, current board president; Kathy Nicastro, current board secretary.

St Susan Center
www.stsusancenter.org