For the first time in 16 years. Fountain Hill’s Bacchanalia Committee, has shifted its yearly donation focus from the borough’s local playground, pool, or ballfield, to Fountain Hill Elementary School’s Backpack Buddies Program.

Thanks to the generous sponsors, patrons, and wine expert/committee member Jeff Ferry, over $15,000 was raised in April through a successful wine and food pairing. Then in late May, funds were presented to Fountain Hill ES Principal Lisa Lynch by Bacchanalia chair Angela Sinkler. The funds are designated to make sure current and future Fountain Hill children (“Hillers”) have the best opportunities to succeed, and in turn grow up and be able to give back to their community.

The Bacchanalia’s Committee’s focus is specifically on the school’s Backpack Buddies program which assists food insecure children and families.

“We believe that success in school and in life begins with children being able to focus in class and on school work, not on the growling of an empty stomach,” Sinkler said.

The Bacchanalia Committee is made up of four pairs of helping hands- Angela Sinkler, Lisa Gangewere, Marita Augello and Jeff Ferry. Bi-weekly committee meetings were held in order to thoroughly prepare for the fundraiser by getting in touch with restaurants and potential sponsors.

The Backpack Buddies Program was put together to better benefits children and families who are eligible for free or reduced lunch. The program covers roughly 30 families, which are all approved after completing a sign up form. Upon approval, each family receives a weekly backpack full of healthy and kid-friendly food items. Backpacks contain items such as granola bars, gold fish snacks, oatmeal, breakfast foods, pasta, rice and beans, canned foods, peanut butter and jelly and much more.

The program’s panty is stocked, organized, and well prepared to aid families and their children sustain evenings and weekends.

Event sponsors include Fountain Hill PlayGround Alumni, Fountain Hill Legion Post 406, The Bohl Family, and the St. Luke’s University Health Network. Generous restaurant sponsors include Valley Farm Market, Cactus Blue, Molly’s Irish Grille & Sports Pub, The Other Fish, N.T. McCarley’s Original BBQ Sauces, Hill to Hill Grille, Southside, 313 Bar & Grille, Pat’s Pizza & Bistro, Voracious Deli & Catering, Roasted, and the ZEST Bar and Grill.