Pink Day’s first fundraiser of the year is here.
The Marconi Club Pink Day Extravaganza 2023 is scheduled for Saturday in downtown Leechburg.
All proceeds benefit Leechburg’s Pink Day, a daylong festival dedicated to supporting breast cancer research and held every September on Market Street.
Pink Day events have raised more than $212,370 since 2012 for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.
Pink Day was founded by Leechburg resident and breast cancer survivor Sherry Price.
The January fundraiser has raised more than $6,000 the past two years, Price said.
“We work closely with the Marconi Club, and they’re extremely accommodating to our needs,” Price said. “It’s the biggest bash in Leechburg, at least in the dreary month of January.”
The event will feature a cash bar, silent auction, food, raffles and live music. Admission is free.
The entertainment lineup includes Pat and Dave, 56 East Band and Lenny Collini’s FaMilyPaK.
band
Hundreds attended last year’s kickoff January fundraiser, with enthusiasm returning with a “vengeance” after the event was canceled in 2021 because of the pandemic, Price said.
Participating musicians volunteer their talents and time for the cause. Music director Jay Zanotti serves as coordinator.
Tommy Scanga, a Vandergrift butcher and owner of Del Vecchio’s Sausage & Fries, participates annually in most of the Pink Day fundraisers and will provide food for purchase during the 21-and-older event.
“Sherry is a wonderful person with a wonderful cause,” Scanga said.
Pat Zelonka and Dave Franzi will kick off the show at 6 p.m.
“It’s for a great cause for the community and surrounding area,” said fellow performer and Vandergrift Mayor Lenny Collini. “Sherry Price and her committee are dedicated to this extravaganza.”
Volunteer music director Jay Zanotti of Hyde Park is a member of Collini’s FaMilyPaK and said the lineup offers rock, acoustic and oldies from the 1960s and ’70s.
“We started out with just a jam session at the Marconi Club, and then we decided we wanted to try and find a nonprofit to raise money for,” Zanotti said. “Since we were in Leechburg, we decided to help out Pink Day. The camaraderie of being with the musicians and being a part of the music (are my favorite things). We usually have more than 300 people.”
Leechburg Councilwoman Doreen Smeal, an event volunteer, said attendees can expect a packed dance floor.
Smeal will work one of two cash bar areas.
“Once the bands start going, it’s exciting and fun. The atmosphere is so very light and happy. I’m really looking forward to it. It’s such a good time,” Smeal said.
This year’s Pink Day will be Sept. 16.
