BY JIM RITCH, Eastern Shore Post —
An Oktoberfest fundraiser to benefit St. Charles Catholic Church in Cape Charles netted more than $30,000 last month at its popular, family-friendly, fall festival.
The church has earmarked the funds for preservation of its 137-year-old building, especially for enhanced accessibility and to repair its slate roof, said Tara Ashworth, event coordinator.
Even before the well-attended event occurred, promotions were so successful that organizers sold out one raffle and then conducted two more.
For next year, organizers hope to make children’s admission all-inclusive, so that children can enjoy face painting and other fun services for free.
Part of the event’s improvement was in scheduling, Ashworth said.
An approaching hurricane and planned wedding forced postponement of the event from a Saturday in September to the Sunday of Columbus Day weekend, when families didn’t have to juggle sports games and other events, she said.
Other members of the planning committee were Lois Barrett, Jim and Patty Conely, Patsy and Rob Harris, Lori and Ian MacDonald, Marta Rose, Jackie Smith, and Bob Wells.
