Chester County Couple Raises $12,000 for International Charity Work

By Chris Tabakin

Saturday, July 30th proved to be one of the rainiest days of the entire summer in Chester County. But rain didn’t dampen the spirit of an Exton couple who has held a Caribbean Party fundraiser for the past 11 years at their home. Chris and Melanie Tabakin welcomed roughly 300 people to raise support for two nonprofit organizations. “We have been doing this for 11 years now, and we weren’t about to let rain hold us back,” noted Chris, who is the President and CEO of one of the nonprofit organizations (iHi International) benefiting from the event.

The event raised over $6,000, which was then matched by anonymous supporters with a total of over $12,000 going to iHi International and Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf (CCCD), which is one of the organizations iHi International collaborates with in Jamaica. Since the start this fun, family-friendly event for friends, family, co-workers, and community members has raised over $60,000 towards international charity work.

Chris Tabakin founded In His Image International (iH International) in response to the needs of VIPs (Vulnerable International People) he was seeing when traveling with his wife Melanie. Both have a passion for helping, and Melanie has served several times overseas for extended periods of time in schools. Chris now leads the development of iHi International to fulfill their mission to identify needs and develop solutions to provide opportunities for VIPs. “Our vision is to see people with disabilities empowered and experience life to the fullest in all countries and cultures,” Chris said.

“It is amazing to have so many friends volunteer and step up over the years to help us pull this off. We are so grateful. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to do it," said Melanie Tabakin.

From people lending party-related items like tents and tables, to volunteers manning the grill and bar, to the cleanup crew, the involvement is extensive. “We try to make all aspects fun, including cleaning up the day after where the laid-back party atmosphere continues. That fun feeling was certainly needed with all of
the mud this year,” Melanie said.

One of the biggest supporters over the years has been Tim and Sue Volikas and the Volikas family-operated Media-based restaurant, Pinocchio’s Pizza and Beer Garden. Tim Volikas and Chris Tabakin grew up together and attended Delaware County Christian School. Tim and Pinocchio’s have been fundamental supporters from the start. “This year Tim outdid himself through the donation of a live steel drum band,” Chris points out. “The band was a huge hit and really set the vibe, especially since it was raining like cats and dogs. I
really encourage everyone to stop in for a pizza and a beer at Pinocchio’s; they are awesome and generous to so many in the community. We just can’t thank them enough.”

For more information on ways to support these 501(c)3 charity organizations, check out iHi International atwww.iHiInternational.org and CCCD at www.cccdjamaicia.org.

Photo credit: Clem Thomas