$10,000 donated to the United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley
Local philanthropic organization the Circus Saints & Sinners club is marking 90 years of service by undertaking a major fundraising effort. The 90 for 90 Campaign is an initiative to raise $90,000 + for local charities. Campaign organizers and diamond-level sponsors gathered recently for the official public announcement.
Campaign chairman Paul Smith stated that the funds are being raised through a combination of public fundraising events and generous corporate sponsorships.
“We started this effort back in November of last year, and the response from local businesses has been beyond our wildest expectations,” said Smith. “As a part of our mission, we raise a significant amount of money each year through our regular slate of fundraisers, but with the additional corporate donors we have attained record-breaking numbers.”
Diamond sponsors include The West Sports Bar; Main Street Bank; American Electric Power Foundation; and Rivers Edge Restaurant. Other major sponsors include gold sponsors Liberty Distributors; Panhandle Cleaning & Restoration; and Green Acres Power Sports. Silver sponsors include Bordas & Bordas; Gumby’s Cigarette & Beer World; and the Ziegenfelder Company. Rounding out the donor list is bronze sponsors Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack; Frank Carolla Foundation; Yourkovich & Associates; Valput Properties; Wine & Beverage Merchants; and Steptoe & Johnson.
According to Rich Lucas, who serves as CEO of Main Street Bank and is also a member of the club, the campaign will culminate with a 90th anniversary gala celebration in January at Wheeling Island-Hotel-Casino-Racetrack. Gala highlights include check presentations to receiving organizations and donor recognition.
“It’s a way to celebrate the milestone of our 90th birthday,” said Lucas. “More importantly, it affords us the opportunity to say a special ‘thank you’ to our corporate sponsors and, of course, distribute the funds to our charity partners.”
The award-winning group has a long history of serving the greater Wheeling area and has made a significant impact on local nonprofits.
“We were founded in 1929 to aid retired circus performers,” said Smith. “Over the years, we’ve evolved into a modern, nonprofit philanthropic organization, and have proudly given away nearly $1.5 million to a multitude of worthy charities.”
In 2015, the organization was recognized by Governor Earl Ray Tomblin with the Governor’s Service Award through Volunteer West Virginia, the State’s Commission for National and Community Service.
About Circus Saints & Sinners: The Circus Saints & Sinners club is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fellowship and community service through charitable giving. Serving the greater Wheeling area since 1929, the group has raised nearly 1.5 million dollars for local charities, including nearly $400K in the last decade. In 2015 it was recognized by Governor Earl Ray Tomblin with the Governor’s Service Award through Volunteer West Virginia, the State’s Commission for National and Community Service. This prestigious award honors outstanding individuals and groups involved in solving social issues through volunteer service. Go to SaintsAndSinnersClub.net for more information.
