Fundraiser helps new learning center offset costs

Written by Deborah Patterson Tuesday, November 06, 2012 03:34 pm

The McAfee Family of Seaville – Maryann, Jude, James, Jimmy and Grace – enjoys the buffet at Abundant Life Church Learning Center's first fundraiser.

CORBIN CITY – Fundraisers are a staple in many communities for organizations to get, well, funds to purchase much needed items, to keep things going or to help pay for the replacement of things running down.

Abundant Life Church Learning Center in Seaville is no exception. The center held a fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 3 at The Buck Tavern, Rt. 50 in Corbin City, to raise money they will use toward the purchase of more school supplies for their increasing enrollment, and to offset some of the start up costs.
My friend Diane Thompson, of Seaville, invited me to go so I grabbed my camera and took some pictures. While I was there it was nice to see all of the support from families and friends of the employees, but also the families of the students.
Jen Gillespie was already enjoying the buffet when I arrived and the first thing I said to her was "I miss Zumba." While “Frankenstorm Sandy” closed Upper Township schools, the Zumba classes I attend were cancelled. I feel like a slug. Lynn Sooy was also there and I got to see her newborn Pauly.
Jeannette Haynes and I talked books like we always do. She said she thoroughly enjoyed my latest recommendation, “Outlander” by Diana Gabaldon, so much that she is now reading the sequel. I told her I was rereading Tolkien's “The Hobbit” in anticipation of Peter Jackson's movie release this December.
Barbara Baum and Jane Guyon were working the front door, where you could purchase tickets for their Chinese Auction. Lots of gifts were donated, many appropriately for children, but Diane won a beautiful basket full of Christmas decorations and holiday-themed items.
Greg and Meghan Guyon were helping seat people and clear tables as was Paul Devine. Rob Ohlsen, the owner of The Buck Tavern, was serving at the buffet along with his daughter Christina and Kathy Mason.
I also saw Courtney Smith with her three children and Barbara Foster enjoying the evening.
The night turned out to be a big success with many happy children getting to see their classmates outside the school environment. I wouldn't be surprised if the school plans another get-together for just that reason.

Waiting for the buffet line to shorten are David, Josiah and John Nistorenko of Seaville.

Supporting the Abundant Life Church Learning Center's fundraiser is the Wildman Family of Marmora. From left are Jimmy, Kristin, James (holding Luke) and baby Marin in the car seat.

Fundraisers can be fun, say Kelley Berns of Palermo, Amy Rihl of Palermo and Sarah Dougherty of Marmora.

Rob Ohlsen, owner of The Buck Tavern, is flanked by his children, Christina and Robert.