NBV Rec Commission aids 4 area organizations

By TAYLOR BROWN

tbrown@yourmvi.com

The North Belle Vernon Recreation Commission made sure to share the love this holiday season. 

Volunteers, who work year-round to fundraise and organize special events at Community Bank Park, decided to give back to surrounding communities and support several other community organizations.

NBV Councilman and former recreation Chairman R.J. Sokol, who announced his resignation from both boards last week but will remain on council until February, said it’s important to give back.

“At the beginning of the year we had a lot of things we wanted to do at the park,” Sokol said. “Then when COVID hit, we didn’t know if we would be able to raise enough money to complete our own projects.”

After making a few calls and putting out a plea for help on social media, donations began to pour in from communities, residents and businesses spanning three counties. 

The commission’s annual golf outing attracted more golfers than ever before, and the group ended up collecting enough to fund its projects with money to spare. 

“We went from being doubtful about being able to complete our own projects, to having more money than we needed,” Sokol said. “We know other organizations might not have been so lucky and are still struggling. The projects they are working on are huge, they are important, so we thought it was also important to share to help make their projects a reality.”

In total, the NBV Rec Commission donated $5,500 to four Mon Valley groups.

“Thanks to the overwhelming support we received this year, the NBV Rec Commission was able to help support other organizations at our final meeting this year,” Sokol said. “We cannot thank all of our supporters enough from our tri-county area that enabled us to share our good fortune with other organizations that work closely with us.”

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