Pair of events to benefit Plum flood victims' family
The deaths of Kimberly Griffith and her two daughters in a flash flood in August on Washington Boulevard in Pittsburgh sent shock waves throughout Plum.
Stormwater trapped Griffith and her daughters in their minivan on Aug. 19. Brenna, 12, and Mikaela, 8, were students at Center Elementary School. Mary Saffin of Oakmont, who was driving another car, also died in the floodwaters.
The school community, led by the Plum Borough Education Association, the teachers' union, is organizing a pair of fundraisers for the family late this month.
A Festival in the Park will be held Oct. 29 at the Boyce Park Ski Lodge.
The first part of the day will be dedicated to children, with a Halloween parade at 1 p.m. that will make its way around the oval at the ski lodge.
"There will be prizes for the children, who will be dressed in their Halloween costumes," said PBEA president Mary Beth London-Gibbon.
"There will be trick-or-treating along the parade route, and we will have prizes for costumes, a Chinese auction and activities."
The evening portion of the program at the ski lodge will feature a Monte Carlo night.
PBEA treasurer J.R. Pilyih said participants will pay $20, for which they will receive chips to play games at the various tables, including blackjack, craps, roulette and Let it Ride poker.
Players will receive chips as winnings that they can use for chances to win baskets in a Chinese auction.
A 50/50 drawing and live auction also will be featured, Pilyih said.
The PBEA is looking for businesses to make donations and sponsor the various tables.
Pilyih expects the event to include participation from PBEA members in all the district schools.
"Each school will put together a basket," Pilyih said.
Christopher Griffith, Kimberly's husband and Brenna and Mikaela's father, said he appreciates the support.
"The response from the community has been overwhelming," he said.
Fundraisers
What: Festival in the Park, to benefit the Griffith Family Memorial Fund
Date: Oct. 29
Time: Registration for the children's Halloween parade begins at noon. The parade starts at 1 p.m.
Where: Boyce Park Ski Lodge, Plum
Cost: A $5 donation per child includes a hot dog, drinks and activities.
What: 'Boosino' casino night, to benefit the Griffith Family Memorial Fund
Date: Oct. 29
Time: Doors open at 6 p.m., with games beginning at 7.
Where: Boyce Park Ski Lodge, Plum
Details: Information on how to make a donation, can be obtained on the PBEA web site here .
