Last week I reported on Allegheny Region’s annual meeting at Mt Pleasant First Church. The conference ended at noon and instead of heading back to Findlay with the rest of the office crew Linda and I drove to our home in Carlisle. We quickly unpacked and changed into formal attire for the second annual Scotland Gala. I had borrowed a tux to wear and Linda donned a long dress for the occasion. The evening started with a social hour and silent auction followed by dinner and a live auction. The goal this year was to raise funds for Boozer dining hall in order to purchase a walk-in freezer and a separate walk-in cooler in addition to needed miscellaneous kitchen items. I must say things at Scotland Campus (SC) are hopping these days. The old inefficient central heating system has now been totally replaced by cost efficient heat systems which will cut the winter bill by two thirds and pay for itself in savings after three years. New leases have been signed with Alpha Gym, Edlantis Achievement Academy which provides therapy for autistic children, Scotland Performance Institute for under-privileged students with exceptional athletic ability, and Providence Academy “where orphaned and vulnerable children find …education for today, shelter for tonight, and hope for eternity.” Currently there are fifteen different ministry partners on or coming soon to Scotland Campus. |
It’s hard to think that Winebrenner Theological Seminary (WTS) acquired SC only two years ago given all that’s going on there these days. And yet, even more needs to happen to max the potential. Dave Newell, SC executive director, and Dennie Koontz, SC chief development officer, along with the WTS and SC boards and friends are working diligently to make operations sustainable and profitable. The Scotland Gala is part of that picture as are donors and partner organizations (lessees). Obviously more WTS students would help too as they’re the reason why WTS established the campus at Scotland in the first place. Anyway back to the Gala. |
This year the event was held in Boozer Dining Hall to facilitate the food service which was done in house and to provide a more intimate setting. When we arrived we enjoyed the fruit and cheese hors d’oeuvres as we meandered among the silent auction tables inspecting the goods. The dinner featured cuisine from Italy, Korea, Mexico, and Germany, each set up in a different corner of the room. Of course I had to try everything, even if it was only a taste. The pork spare ribs Korean style were a bit spicy but excellent, and the Black Forest cake and cannolis were as they say, “to die for!” Linda’s sister Mary Ann attended with us and our table of eight included Dr. Bill Harter from Falling Spring Presbyterian, whom I hadn’t seen in years. I enjoyed catching up and talking about Israel and Jim Moss. |
Attendance was down a little from last year, but that certainly didn’t slow the bidding. Various local businesses and private parties donated items to be sold. Linda and I supplied a number of things including a 1773 York County indenture that brought $110. My cabinetmaker friend, Jim Small, donated a naturalistic wooden spoon made of cherry that sold for $75. Other items offered included gift certificates, plants (We bought several of them.), furniture, food items, art works, and much more. All told with the auction as well as donor and sponsor gifts the evening realized over $16,500. As we drove home that evening we remarked that with a bit more promotion and publicity the Gala could grow into a much larger Church and community event to raise significant funds for SC ministries. We’ll see what happens until another year, but I’d encourage all friends of WTS and SC to plan on coming in 2016 once the date is set. It certainly is a great cause and a wonderful evening! ONe Mission together, Ed Soli Deo Gloria! |