Cambria County Basket Party Raises Nearly $10,000

Special Olympics PA – Cambria County’s recent Basket Party was a huge success, raising nearly $10,000 this year.   The Program began its event planning by deciding upon a menu for the basket party.  Through the years it has served a variety of sandwiches such as barbeque beef, Sloppy Joes, hot dogs, and a selection of salads and desserts.  The salads and desserts are donated by the coaches and parents. 

The committee splits up a list of businesses in the community to contact for donations.  Each committee person is responsible for contacting the businesses on their list at least 30 to 45 days prior to the event to help determine the number of large prizes it will have.

Cambria County’s committee consists of 10 to 12 coaches and parents.  They start making baskets several months prior to the main event with a goal of creating 200 baskets and soliciting several large prizes (all of which are donated by the community), wreaths containing gift cards from local businesses, door prizes, and a money and lottery tree. 

Lists are created at different sporting events for parents and coaches to volunteer to make a basket or prepare a salad or desert for the event.  The Cambria Program also enlists the help of its parents and coaches in setting up the hall and transporting the baskets the day of the event.  Their athletes assist the in delivering the baskets to the winners, while a volunteer verifies the winning ticket.

Cambria County would be happy to assist any county interested in holding a basket party to get started.  It is a lot of work, but making nearly $10,000 in one afternoon is the reward.