Annual John Barbero Memorial Auction set

By TAYLOR BROWN
tbrown@yourmvi.com
The Mon Valley YMCA will host the 10th Annual John Barbero Memorial Auction this weekend.
Sponsored by the Pittsburgh Penguins and Highway Appliance, the event is set for Sunday in the YMCA gym in Carroll Township.
Doors will open at 12:30 p.m. with giveaways beginning at 1 p.m.
All proceeds from the event will benefit youth and teen programs at the YMCA and the John Barbero Scholarship Fund.
The YMCA serves children of all ages from all over the Mon Valley region through programs such as child care, teen leaders, youth swimming lessons, summer camp and academic support groups.
A Roscoe native, Barbero, was the Pittsburgh Penguins public address announcer for 36 years until his death from cancer in 2010.
Barbero graduated from California High School in 1963 and went on to Grove City College. He worked for WESA radio in Charleroi and later transferred to California University of Pennsylvania to continue his radio career.
He served as play-by-play announcer for Cal U Vulcans football and sports director for WESA.
Barbero was an English teacher in the Monongahela School District, an assistant principal at Carroll Junior High and principal at Waynesburg Central High School.
Admission to the event is $5 and tickets are available in advance at the YMCA but will also be available at the door.
Free pizza will be provided by the River House Cafe in Charleroi, cookies donated by Keystone Bakery and beverages provided by Pepsi Cola.
Several vendors will also be selling goods and snacks during the event, including Thirty One, Chaney’s Natural, Sabika jewelry, Ekernally Yours, Sensational Sparklers, Vintage Valley Soaps, Hair Especially for You, Designs by Missy, Color Street and Late Night Love Cards and Crafts.
More than 100 items will be included in the silent auction that range from sports tickets to memorabilia.
The live auction will feature items such as a 60-inch TV and overnight trips for two Penguin Captain Morgan Club tickets.
Giveaways will be drawn every half hour with $250 beginning at 1 p.m. through 3 p.m.
A YMCA family membership will be given away at 2 p.m.
Additional events like face painting, balloon animals and photo opportunities with mascots will be available for children.
The event typically raises $15,000 for youth programs each year thanks to area community partnerships.
For more information call 724-483-0877 or go to monvalleyymca.org.

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