Pumpkin Patch Walk Returns to Library With First Food Truck Fundraiser

GREENSBURG, Pa. - Oct. 11, 2022 - PRLog -- After Covid-19 forced a drive-thru and open-air version of Greensburg Hempfield Area Library's (GHAL) annual Pumpkin Patch Walk for children, the family-friendly fall festival will be back at the Library Saturday, October 22, 2022, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and promises to be better than ever with the addition of a food truck fundraiser and self-guided tours of the renovated historic building. The Pumpkin Patch Walk will run from 1:00 p.m. through 4:00 p.m., but the food trucks will remain until 5:00 p.m.

Attendees can be entered into a $25 gift card drawing when they sign up for a library card or borrow items. Visitors can expect free games, activities, crafts and giveaways, but the fundraising side features basket raffle tickets, a special pop-up style used book sale and the food trucks: Circle Pit Pizza, Let's Taco, Pit Take BBQ and Sunny's Shaved Ice. dV8 will be on site selling festive drinks. Each food truck will donate a portion of sales.

This event is open to the public, and the Library invites everyone to stop for a cookie and self-guided tour highlighting renovations made with a $1 million grant received in part from the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, Pennsylvania Department of Education, with funds provided from the Keystone Recreation, Park and Conservation Fund.

"Fundraising has been incredibly difficult, and the pandemic's effects are still being felt. We had to find new ways to hold 'safe' fundraisers," said Falo. "We're fortunate and very grateful to have loyal supporters. We hope this festival will show a larger group of people all the Library does in and for the community."

Local government support and fundraising efforts is part of the equation used to determine how much money will be allocated to GHAL from the Commonwealth's annual budget. With consistent local and fundraiser support, the Library receives more funding from the State.

It's a common misconception that state and federal money fund the Library. The majority of funds come from fundraising, donations, and if awarded, grants. However, grant money is restricted to specific activities. GHAL has applied for and were awarded 12 grants in 2022 for a total of $82,000 that must be used for digital literacy, workforce development, STEM and youth programs, technology, furniture and collection development.

GHAL's 2022 fundraising target is $375,000. With less than three months left to meet that goal, the Library will be holding more fundraisers including the used book sale, a Holly Jolly Jackpot lottery ticket sale and Thanks "giving" Gala at The Venue Live!™ at Live! Casino Pittsburgh®. Gala sponsors are greatly needed. Call 724-837-5620 for more information or visit the event calendar at https://www.ghal.org