To the Editor,
It is with great pride and gratitude that we are able to report that this year’s Strawberry Festival was a record breaking success! Thanks to generous underwriting support from PECO and First Niagara, Brandywine Hospital, hundreds of volunteers who planned and worked throughout the four-day event, and the many businesses and non-profit organizations donating time and money, the income of the event grew by more than 12% – a significant increase that will truly benefit the greater Coatesville community.
Special thanks are due to ArcelorMittal and Oliver Tyrone Pulver Corporation for their sponsorship of the spectacular fireworks; Citadel for sponsoring our stages filled with fabulous entertainment; Sikorsky Global Helicopters and Castle Windows for making the fun and affordable “Strawberryland” area for young children possible; Penn Medicine Heart and Vascular Center for bringing back the oh so popular train this year; LoweRiders Bikes and Boards for sponsoring the exciting raffle; the Coatesville VA Medical Center for the TGIF activities; State Farm for the fun arts and crafts activities; Coatesville Saving Bank for sponsoring a souvenir tent that sold out; Gallagher Benefits Services for the cutest Strawberriest Kids Contest ever; Hurricane Hill Farm for the fabulous fresh farm stand; Krapf’s Coaches’ free shuttle service ~ ~ ~ you get the picture, there are so many generous businesses in our community and the Brandywine Health Foundation is honored to have their support.
There are many highlights from the beautiful weekend, but we would be remiss if we did not acknowledge the Caln Township Police Department and the City of Coatesville Police Department for their exemplary job in maintaining order, calm and safety despite the thousands of people on the Brandywine Hospital grounds throughout the four-day weekend, and Washington Hose, Minquas, and other EMS departments, available in case of emergency.
We are grateful to the Coatesville Rotary Club for handling the carnival ride ticket sales, the Thorndale Volunteer Fire Company for their help with all the parking, the Brandywine YMCA for their free and fun activities and the Coatesville Public Library ~ we love the Used Book Sale! These community partners are critical to our success and the KEY to our success are the amazing and dedicated members of our volunteer organizing committee, led by Chris Saello and Karol Collins. They are always looking for ways to improve the Festival – listening to YOU, our community, when you make suggestions.
A portion of the funds raised this year at the festival will benefit the Coatesville Youth Initiative. An example of their good work is the Summer ServiceCorps Program, an eight-week summer employment and development program for 40 Coatesville youth between the ages of 14-18. The teens gain invaluable work experience, have opportunities to serve and connect with their community, develop life and leadership skills, and earn a summer income. The Coatesville Area Public Library, Thorndale Fire Company and Coatesville Rotary Club will also receive significant grants this month from the Brandywine Health Foundation from the remaining festival proceeds.
To learn more, about the newly independent Coatesville Youth Initiative or the Brandywine Health Foundation, visit our website at www.brandywinefoundation.com.
Don’t forget to mark your calendars for May 28-31 for the 2015 Strawberry Festival and thank you again to our fabulous supporters and volunteers. You are the best!
Frances M. Sheehan
President and CEO
Brandywine Health Foundation
