Bethel Bounty another sellout success for community foundation
An overflowing crowd at the Crowne Plaza Hotel proved two things for the Bethel Park Community Foundation. In its 26th year, Bethel Bounty is bigger and better than ever before, and it’s likely outgrowing its venue.
Within two weeks of announcing this year’s Nov. 16 date, the event, which is one of the primary fundraisers for the foundation, sold out.
“It’s another way over sold-out event,” said Andy Amrhein.
Emcee for the evening, Amrhein also is the co-chairman with Sabrina Tatalias, who also serves on the board of trustees for the foundation.
Maximum capacity in the hotel’s ballroom is 320. Once the foundation sold all those tickets at $50 each, a wait list was created.
“We put up more high-top tables,” Amrhein said when the venue sells out. “We just tell people it’s standing-room-only and they still come.”
“If people don’t have a seat for the whole evening, they could stand or walk around,” Tatalias added. “It just shows that the event’s growing in the community.”
For the foundation, Amrhein says that Bethel Bounty is so successful because it’s simple and easy to do, especially for the trustees.
“It’s fun for the patrons because they just come and eat and drink and celebrate and mingle and buy tickets,” he said.
There’s always plenty of food and drink as proprietors from within the municipality are willing participants.
This year’s vendors included: Bella’s On Fort Couch, Bethel Bakery, Big Shot Bob’s, BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse, Bonefish Grill, Country Hammer Moonshine, Cyd West Comfort Catering, Dairy Queen, Ma & Pop’s Country Kitchen, Metz Catering, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Pasta Too, Rice Inn, Rowdy B.B.Q. Take-out & Catering, Sarris Candies and Toss Pizza and Wings.
Current owners of the local DQ, Corey and Amanda Ingram had to “pause” their presence at last year’s Bethel Bounty. They provided coupons while they tended to a new addition to the family. Amanda gave birth to their second daughter, Avery, who also had to have open heart surgery.
“So we were a little busy,” said the Ingrams, who also have an older daughter, Emerson. “We had to take a break, but we’re really excited to be back.”
The Ingrams, who bought the franchise from Mayor Jack Allen two years ago, were thrilled to introduce their specialty ice cream cupcakes. They have launched bulk ordering of the treats for holiday parties, gatherings, children’s parties and school functions.
Pizza was the perfect pairing for the ice cream treats, and Toss Pizza and Wings supplied more than its share of pies to the hungry crowd.
“The pizza is fantastic,” said Case Jones. He came from the North Hills to attend Bethel Bounty. His wife’s family is from the South Hills, he admitted. “This is a wonderful event that is great for the community.”
“It’s great food and fun getting to see everyone coming together for a good cause,” agreed Davie Gerber while he dined with his wife, Traci.
The Bethel Park Community Foundation, a 501c3 nonprofit organization created in 1994, has raised more than $1 million and donated back into the municipality in the forms of grants and scholarships.
In addition to door prizes and a 50/50 raffle, profits are made during the basket giveaways held during the second part of the evening. This year there were more than 60 baskets and specialty prizes such as tickets to sporting events, museums, plays, as well as a large-screen television, a weekend hotel stay in Pittsburgh and jewelry giveaway. All prizes were donated.
“Everybody is so kind when you tell them what it’s for. How can you say no to an education fund and everything the foundation does?” said Cindy Carfagno, a longtime trustee.
“Bethel Bounty is one of the best events. It’s unbeatable because everything is donated. It’s a nice social event that raises good money for the community.”
New this year was a wine pull. For $20, patrons purchase a mystery bottle of wine, festively wrapped in red or yellow foil paper.
“I thought it was a good fit for Bethel Bounty,” Talalias explained. “It was a good way to make something different from the usual big wine basket we do.
“There were a variety of wines and different price points. So you had a chance to go home with a pretty expensive bottle of wine.”
Additionally, the foundation kicked off plans for the holidays as well as future Bethel Bounty features.
Currently, the foundation is selling commemorative ornaments, depicting all of the school district’s elementary schools as well as Neil Armstrong Middle School. All will close at the end of the school year to make way for the new elementary center scheduled to open in the fall of 2026.
Additionally, four local artists have been commissioned to create pieces to commemorate America’s 250th birthday.
According to Amrhein they will be original works depicting the visions of what Linda Barnicott, JP Diroll, Maria DeSimone Prasack and John Prasack think America is about. Proceeds will be split four ways between Bethel Park’s “Fantastic Four” charities: the foundation, the Education Foundation, the Historical Society and the public library.
“These are amazing pieces of art,” Amrhein said as Britney Hollick unveiled the first painting. “So we are excited about things to come.”
Diamond sponsors for Bethel Bounty included: Brentwood Bank, Bethel Bakery, Evey True Value Hardware and Become Better Sports Performance & Personal Training.
Platinum sponsors included: Highpoint Fitness, Hess Physical Therapy, Baird, Flora Park, Artis Senior Living, Staley Electric, Santel Landscape & Design, State Farm, All Pro Plumbing & Heating.