SEEDS’ Fundraiser was a “SWAPPING” Success!!

Freebies at a Fundraiser! The more you give, the more you get! Both were catch phrases at SEEDS’ (Sustainable Energy Education and Development Support) annual fundraiser Thursday May 7th, featuring a silent auction and SWAPAPALOOZA. Local businesses donated baskets, gift cards and wonderful items including an overnight stay at the historic Watres Lodge in Lacawac Sanctuary, a wine making kit, NACL Theatre tickets, framed prints, a free photography session and many other items, including a few great baskets that were perfect gifts for mother’s day.

But this unique fundraiser also offered guests a free gift. SEEDS added a SWAPAPALOOZA to the event. Guests who donated a household item they no longer wanted, were able to swap their item for another. Some folks brought four, five and six items, and were able to take home as many items as they brought.

Swap items included a hedge trimmer, motorcycle helmets, an exercise trampoline, yoga mat, Christmas tree stand, backgammon game, jewelry, plants, workbench, and so much more. Guest MC, Robert Mermell, who serves on the SEEDS Advisory Committee, provided comical commentary and ushered the crowd through the silent auction and the SWAPAPALOOZA event. Everyone had a great time.

“SEEDS is growing. More and more people are joining our organization and supporting our efforts. Anyone interested in renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainable living can meet and mingle with others at our annual fundraiser” said SEEDS Executive Director Jocelyn Cramer. “I was grateful for the support we received from local organizations, who donated terrific items. Since SEEDS supports recycling and repurposing, the SWAPAPALOOZA was a perfect addition to our party. So many asked us to do it again next year, so I think we found our fundraising niche.”

(Honesdale National Bank, Pet Central, Gina Lenz Photography and Dyberry Forks Restaurant all donated gift cards to the event.)

Cramer wanted to thank all the businesses who donated items to the event: New Wave Custom Woodworking, Bethany Village Senior Living Community, Pet Central, Honesdale National Bank, Honesdale Agway, Gina Lenz Photography, Lacawac Sanctuary, NACL Theater, Stephen’s Pharmacy, Wayne Independent, Dave’s Super Duper, Dyberry Forks Restaurant, Fair Hill Farm Riding Academy, Hamlin Distributors, Milkweed, Capra Collina Winery and Wayne Bank. “These businesses recognize the economic benefits of renewable energy and energy efficiency. Their support it critical to SEEDS.”

The doors opened at 6:30 pm. The event took place in the SEEDS office on the second floor of The Cooperage on Main Street in Honesdale, Pa. All funds raised will be used to pay rent for the SEEDS office.

SEEDS (Sustainable Energy Education and Development Support) is a non-profit organization that works with residents and businesses to reduce energy use, improve energy efficiency and grow our renewable energy infrastructure. Their next upcoming forums are: Green Cleaning – How and why to clean your body/home without harsh chemicals will be held at the Damascus Township Building on Tuesday May 12^th at 7 pm. Their annual Do-It-Yourself solar workshop will be held at the Wayne Conservation District on Tuesday and Wednesday June 16 and 17. For more information please contact Jocelyn Cramer at jocelyn@seedsgroup.net or call (570) 245-1256. Visit www.seedsgroup.net to join their newsletter list to be notified of all our upcoming free forums.