By Joshua Byers
The Tribune-Democrat
DUNLO, Pa. — A recent dueling pianos event organized by the South Fork Lions Club collected nearly $19,000 to support the Forest Hills Area Ambulance Association.
“We’re completely taken aback by the generosity and the amount of work the South Fork Lions Club put into this and the various sponsors,” association President Arnold Nadonley said.
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The event took place March 7, sold out with 250 tickets, and included a basket raffle and small games of chance.
The South Fork Lions Club organized the event, and Dunlo’s fire department donated its space for use. There were nearly 20 individual and business donations made to support the effort.
“We feel grateful that we were able to help,” South Fork Lions Club President Brady Hamady said.
In total, the campaign raised $18,758.83. That included a $1,000 donation that the Lions Club gave to the Dunlo fire department for the hall and that the firefighters gave back to the ambulance service.
Nadonley thanked the fire company for the additional support and said the money will be used to buy equipment to further support the community.
That includes expandable forced-air warming systems, blanket warmers, new IV pumps and new pagers, ambulance Manager Eric Miller said.
“This is all stuff we wouldn’t be able to (buy) without them,” Miller said.
The Lions Club is also exploring options to acquire a grant to support the ambulance service.
“It’s just been truly amazing what they’ve done,” Nadonley said.
Hamady said that when Miller approached the club about the financial situation the ambulance service was experiencing, especially with additional coverage of the Portage area now, it was decided that the club wanted to help.
They brainstormed ideas, and the dueling pianos event was the option chosen.
Hamady said it’s “very rewarding not just to generate that money, but to see our community come together” to support the ambulance service.
He noted the rising cost of everything and how medicine isn’t exempt from that. That’s why the Lions Club wanted to lend a hand.
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