Montgomery Twp. Firm Holds Fundraiser For Special Needs Little League

By PBGW for Patch

On October 29, 2015, PBGW hosted their first annual Halloween Bash on behalf of the Miracle League. Over 40 area companies and organizations volunteered to host a booth and distribute treats to children with special needs. Montgomery Township generously allowed the use of its brand new community center to give these children a safe and accessible area to participate in a holiday tradition that can be challenging for many.

The staff at PBGW began setting the tone for the evening around noon. The Halloween décor included several pieces of artwork donated by local elementary schools. At 4:30, seven cadets from North Penn High School’s Junior ROTC program arrived to volunteer their time and assist the volunteers with setting up their booths. The kindness, respect, and overall positive and cooperative attitude these cadets demonstrated was truly remarkable, as noted by many who had the privilege of interacting with them throughout the evening.

As vendors began arriving at 5:00, the gymnasium was quickly transformed into a Halloween “neighborhood,” featuring booths decorated with various themes including a circus, pumpkin patch, Monopoly, and even a jail cell. Outside, a group from Pennsylvania Wildlife Search and Rescue (PaWSAR) was set up by the door with two Search and Rescue K9s greeting the children as they arrived. A local photographer, Erin Scott, was also set up outside offering complimentary professional photographs of the children in their costumes. By 6:00, trick or treaters were already arriving and registering in the lobby. After a brief speech by PBGW President Rob Pritchard thanking the volunteers for their support, the doors were opened and trick or treaters began filing in.

The word that best describes the mood for the remainder of the evening is joy. The joy on the faces of the children as they filled their bags with special treats was palpable. It was echoed by the vendors, many of whom remarked how much they enjoyed participating and have already committed to returning for next year’s event. Months of preparation culminated in an overwhelmingly successful evening that surpassed all expectations.

One of the highlights of the night came when a young boy showed up to trick or treat dressed as a police officer. Little did he know, one of the booths was hosted by the New Hope Police Benevolent Association. The booth featured a police officer and two “robbers” with bags of pretend money. The backdrop was a jail cell. When the little boy circled his way around to the booth, the officer enlisted his help in chasing the “bad guys.” It was undoubtedly a memorable experience for the child and everyone who was fortunate enough to witness the endearing encounter. The police department went on to win Best Booth as voted on by the trick or treaters.

As the evening came to a close, the PBGW staff had already begun to strategize how to make the event even better for next year. By the significant number of trick or treaters in attendance for a first year event, and the gratitude expressed by parents for having the opportunity to bring their children to such an event, it became clear that this was something that had been missing from the local area. PBGW has committed to continue to provide local children with special needs the opportunity to trick or treat in a fun, safe, and accessible environment for years to come.