John Irwin co-owner of Allegheny Grille, Vince Forsythe, Dale Forsythe and
John Brosnahan share a few laughs
at this years fundraiser.
Now in its thirteenth year, the Forsythe Annual Snowball Kickball fundraiser hosted by Vince and Carrie Forsythe of St. Petersburg is a testament of what is good in our community and that making a difference is about effort. At or around the beginning of each new year, the Forsythe’s set aside their personal agendas and begin to prepare, plan, organize their “pay it forward” event to help make a difference in someone else’s life. And for the past thirteen years they have made the difference.
The event has raised an impressive $250,000 since its inception. To date the event has helped over thirty individuals who have suffered through major afflictions. Thanks to the Forsythe’s drive and commitment to help others, their Snowball Kickball event has eased their pain.
This year’s recipients were Lihliauna Crom & Kim Davis. Kim was diagnosed with breast cancer on October 2, 2022. Lihliauna suffers from Ehlers-Danlos syndrome which causes the bones to dislocate very easily. She has cardiac and muscle issues and suffers from Gastro Paresis. Part of the proceeds each year also benefits the Clarion County Shriners
This year the 13th Annual Snowball Kickball fund-raiser turned in some unprecedented numbers as the event raised over $45,000. A truly remarkable number for an event held out of a garage. The live auction itself which featured Jack Buzard as the auctioneer, generated over $19,000and featured forty unique items that were all donated by the public. It doesn’t take much math to figure a per item clip of close to $500. The live auction is a true testament of the many people that attend and show they are not afraid to open up and spend money to help those in need.
The $45,000 generated this year came from various sources ( Shirt Sponsors, Otto’s Tavern Chili Cook-Off, Bingo at The Beer Garden, Auctions, Raffles, Monetary Donations etc.) and is a reflection of community input and involvement.
L to R. Stacie Fox and Carrie Forsythe
“Carrie and I cannot thank all those enough who have helped make this year a success. A special thank you to Cullen McNany, UFP, Otto’s Tavern, The Beer Garden, Crystal and Trevor, Nadine Wise, Mike Chechak, Seth Clark, GardenScape and the John Irwin and Tim Orton families. We would like to thank all the people over the past 13 years who have helped make this event bigger and better each year. It is such a blessing to be able to help out families in need and the Clarion County Shriners. On behalf of our family we want to say thanks to all who helped again this year and God Bless. “