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From fall finances to festive funds

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  Published in Business and Finance on Monday, October 6th 2025 at 7:29 GMT by WFMZ-TV
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From Fall Finances to Festive Funds: How a Local Holiday Drive Transformed a Community Gathering into a Giving Spectacle

On a crisp October morning, the WFMZ Sunrise crew took to the airwaves to cover a heart‑warming story that illustrates the power of community, a well‑timed pivot, and a generous spirit. The piece, titled “From Fall Finances to Festive Funds,” chronicles the journey of a modest fall festival that, with a little creativity and a lot of local support, evolved into a full‑blown holiday fundraising extravaganza benefiting some of the Lehigh Valley’s most vulnerable residents.

The Seeds of a Seasonal Success

The original concept was born out of a simple idea: gather the community around a fall-themed celebration to raise money for the nearby North Penn High School’s science wing. In early September, a volunteer group—led by high‑school English teacher Maria Cortez and local business owner Thomas “Tom” Lee—mapped out a plan that included pumpkin‑tasting stalls, a “bobbing for apples” game, and a modest bake‑sale. Their goal? Raise $5,000 in ten days.

“Fall festivals are a great way to bring people together,” Cortez told Sunrise. “We wanted to give students a chance to see how much a few local businesses can do for a good cause.”

The first weekend was a modest success. Between the pumpkin contest and a 5‑k “Fall Walk,” the event raised just shy of $3,000, a promising start but short of the target.

Turning Autumn into Holiday Magic

A turning point came when the organizers received an invitation from the Lehigh Valley Food Bank to collaborate on a holiday donation drive. Recognizing the power of holiday generosity, Cortez and Lee decided to rebrand the event for the coming weeks. “We thought, why not make it a festive season fundraiser? The community already loves the fall vibe, and the holiday period just amplifies giving,” Lee explained.

The revamped plan added several elements:

In addition to the local businesses that had already pledged items—such as the downtown bakery Sweet & Savory, the auto shop Motor Works, and the toy store Little Joys—the Food Bank added a partnership with a major retail chain to offer a $500 match for every donation made during the event’s run.

The Numbers: A Flourishing Fiscal Picture

By mid‑December, the event had surpassed all expectations. According to WFMZ’s financial breakdown:

• Total Raised: $17,823.15
• Silent Auction Proceeds: $5,400
• Raffle Sales: $4,200
• Ticket Sales (Concert & Market): $3,600
• Direct Donations (Cash & Checks): $4,623.15

The $500 donation match from the retail chain alone added $500 to the final total, demonstrating the multiplier effect of corporate involvement. The organizers noted that the majority of the donations were directed toward the Food Bank’s winter food supply, a local elementary school’s holiday meal program, and a regional hospice’s end‑of‑life care funds.

Voices from the Community

The Sunrise interview segment included heartfelt testimonials from beneficiaries:

• Ms. Elaine Park, a single mother of two, said, “The holiday meal program means we can focus on our kids rather than worry about groceries.”
• Father Michael Quinn of St. Matthew’s Church highlighted the donation to the hospice, noting, “Knowing that families have more comfort during their final days is priceless.”

Organizers also emphasized the role of volunteers. More than 80 volunteers helped run the silent auction, manage ticket sales, and supervise the kids’ activities. “These kids gave their Saturday mornings to help, and that’s the true spirit of the holiday season,” Cortez reflected.

Looking Forward: The Promise of Next Year

While the Fall Finances to Festive Funds event was a one‑off in its current form, both Cortez and Lee expressed enthusiasm about making it a recurring event. Lee, who now serves as the volunteer coordinator for the Food Bank’s holiday program, said, “We have a template. The next year, we’ll have a more streamlined auction process and even more vendor partners.”

WFMZ has committed to continue covering the fundraiser in future episodes, with a special segment in the January morning lineup to recap the highlights and spotlight the children and families who benefited.

In Summary

From Fall Finances to Festive Funds showcases how a community’s collective creativity, coupled with strategic partnerships, can turn a modest local fundraiser into a generous holiday celebration. The event’s success underscores several key takeaways:

1. Flexibility: Adapting a plan to meet seasonal opportunities can amplify impact.
2. Partnerships: Corporate matches and cross‑sector collaborations can significantly boost donations.
3. Volunteerism: Engaging local volunteers builds a shared sense of purpose and reduces operational costs.
4. Transparency: Clear reporting on financial outcomes builds trust and encourages future giving.

For those who missed the event—or those simply curious to learn more—WFMZ has provided links throughout the article to the Food Bank’s donation page, the event’s schedule, and the volunteer sign‑up portal. The story serves as a shining reminder that when a community comes together, even the most modest beginnings can blossom into something truly festive.