SLS PTO Front Row L-R: Kylee Streich (Co-Treasurer), Grace Messineo (Sunday Supper Chair), Molly Corl (Co-Treasurer), Back Row L-R: Christie Gardner (Truckload Sale Chair), Lindsay Marzella (Secretary), Shawn Geci (President), Amanda Straub (Lucky Lion Lotto Calendar Chair), Mary Leuschel (Vice President)
This has been a difficult year for Catholic schools across the country. This has been especially true in terms of fundraising, as many sales, events and other efforts had to be cancelled due to the pandemic. Fortunately, the school family at St. Leo stepped up in an unprecedented way.
The PTO at St. Leo recently reinvigorated their efforts. Realizing the uncertain road in front of them last summer, a group of volunteers and cooks started monthly drive-thru Sunday Suppers. The meals were a huge success in the community and often sold out within 15-30 mins.
The next issue to consider was the beloved Reverse Raffle, traditionally the school’s largest annual fundraiser, which sadly had to be cancelled. The PTO got both aggressive and creative, selling a new lottery calendar and that raised enough funds to cover that loss of the Raffle.
St. Leo School also was excited to bring back their annual Trout Derby in May. The derby is one of the top outdoor events in the state, and fishermen from near and far were thrilled to try their luck in Elk Creek again. Despite some chilly weather, the event had its best year ever.
The last fundraiser for the school year was the Wal-Mart Truck Load Sale held in June. This was an enormous team effort headed up by a huge, committed team of volunteers that ultimately pulled off one of the largest fundraisers Elk County has ever seen.
It is amazing that while so many Catholic schools have struggled so profoundly, the St. Leo School community has managed to emerge from this difficult year stronger than it was, and ready to continue serving our students every day. Our families truly believe in our work, and they support our school in every way possible.
To learn more on how you can help St. Leo School please visit: www.eccss.org/slcs
