Knightly News students help raise more than $2,500 through community fundraiser
By The Knightly News
Photos by Alex Foley
The Knightly News Media Club at Central Penn College and The Happe Lifestyle came together on May 30 for a community bingo fundraiser that raised more than $2,500, including more than $1,700 that will directly support individuals served by The Happe Lifestyle.
Held at Enola Fire Hall No. 3, the event drew approximately 70 participants for an afternoon of bingo, basket raffles, 50/50 drawings and a bake sale. The fundraiser marked the first collaboration between the two organizations and highlighted the impact that can be made when students and community organizations work together toward a common goal.
The Happe Lifestyle, which stands for Having A Positive Powerful Experience, is a community-based nonprofit focused on creating pathways to employment, purpose and stability for individuals facing housing insecurity. Rather than offering short-term solutions, the organization emphasizes skill development, confidence-building and meaningful employment opportunities that help individuals move forward with dignity.
The event was organized and staffed by members of the Knightly News. Students were responsible for selling tickets, soliciting donations, assembling basket raffles and working throughout the event to ensure its success.
Members of the fundraising subcommittee included Noah Lopez, Jules Quare, Alex Foley, Arsenio Humphrey, Brandon Drumheller and Apikchiya Lohar.
“The opportunity to work with the Knightly News and Central Penn College students was an absolute pleasure,” George Craker, executive director of The Happe Lifestyle, said. “This money will go directly to help those in need and help us continue to support our mission.”
While the fundraiser will also support future Knightly News activities, organizers emphasized that the event was primarily designed to strengthen community partnerships and support an organization making a difference in the lives of others.
The event featured dozens of donated prizes from local businesses and community supporters. The sponsors of the event were Nerdzoic Toys in Lemoyne and Buffalo Wild Wings in Mechanicsburg, whose donations helped make the prizes special. Additional donations came from Pizza Boy Brewing Company, Giant Foods, Cupboard Maker Books and Dave and Buster’s.
Photo by Abbee Breski
The atmosphere remained competitive but lighthearted as attendees played bingo, purchased raffle tickets and interacted with members of both organizations. The combination of fundraising activities helped push the total well beyond initial expectations.
For the students involved, the fundraiser was an opportunity to put their classroom skills into practice while supporting an important cause. Through months of planning and community outreach, Knightly News members helped create an event that not only raised significant funds for The Happe Lifestyle but also strengthened the connection between Central Penn College and the local community.
The Knightly News would like to thank everyone who attended, as well as the businesses that supported this initiative. We could not have done it without you!
