Erie Downtown Partnership Block Parties Raise Record-breaking $58,579 for Local Charities
The 10th Anniversary Season of Erie Downtown Partnership (EDP) Block Parties has come to an end, but their positive impact will ripple throughout Erie County for seasons to come.
At a press conference this morning at The Erie Art Museum Special Event Room, downtown Erie, the EDP awarded a record-breaking donation of $58,579.50 to ten nonprofit organizations. The funds were donated by patrons of this year's Block Parties, part of EDP's Summer Event Series.
John Buchna, CEO of the Erie Downtown Partnership, said, "2015 was the 10th year celebration of our popular Block Party events and we couldn't have planned a more fitting way to end the season with a new record of charitable giving has been achieved. We are inspired by the generosity of Erie County residents and visitors who came alongside local businesses and nonprofits to raise this record donation. Block Parties are about community. I can't think of a better way to show you care for your community than giving a few dollars to a worthwhile cause."
These nonprofit organizations received donations raised from Block Parties in 2015:
NONPROFIT (HOST BAR): DONATION
MECA (Scully's Pub): $12,786.47
Autism Society of NWPA (The Plymouth Tavern): $10,996.42
American Red Cross (U Pick 6 Tap House): $8,400.00
Therapy Dogs United (Park Place/29 North Gastropub): $5,518.41
Y.M.C.A. of Erie, Downtown Branch (The Erie Seawolves): $4,365.82
Regional Cancer Center (Calamari's Squid Row): $4,278.48
Make-A-Wish Foundation (Slugger's): $3,844.00
Big Brother's Big Sisters (Molly's/Sherlock's): $3,100.00
The Epilepsy Project (Brewerie): $3,042.90
The A.N.N.A. Shelter (Sullivan's): $2,247.00
Each year, more than 20 nonprofit organizations inquire for the opportunity to raise funds alongside a Block Party host. Only 10 nonprofits can be chosen, depending on the event schedule. As the highest earning 2015 nonprofit organization, MECA was awarded a 2016 Block Party and can bypass the formal application process. MECA serves the disabled community and their families; for more information, visit mecaerie.com.
Planning will soon be underway for the 2016 Block Parties. Nonprofit organizations and downtown businesses interested in participating are encouraged to follow the EDP's blog at www.eriedowntown.com.
Buchna said, "Over the past two years, our donations to nonprofit organizations have doubled. This year's total is more than 15% higher than last year's total. With that kind of growth, I can only imagine the impact Block Party patrons and downtown businesses can have on issues that matter most to Erie County."
The Erie Downtown Partnership is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the revitalization of downtown Erie by improving its image, business climate, physical environment, and design. Learn more at www.eriedowntown.com.