Out & About: Pistols and purses a winning fundraiser combination

Shirley McMarlin | Monday, April 8, 2019 1:30 a.m.

Kim Stepinsky | For the Tribune-Review

From left: Mandy Zalich, Westmoreland Community Action CEO, Trooper Stephen Limani, public relations officer for the Pennsylvania State Police who served as emcee, and Jennifer Kemerer, event organizer, prepare to pull a winning number April 6 during the Westmoreland Community Action Pistols and Purses bash at the Youngwood Fire Hall.

It’s probably the only fundraiser around where the list of prizes includes Smith & Wesson, Ruger and Remington — along with Dooney & Bourke, Michael Kors and Coach.

It’s the annual Pistols and Purses Bash presented by Westmoreland Community Action.

This year’s bash, held April 6 in the Youngwood Fire Hall, proved once again that sidearms and handbags are a good fundraising mix. All 500 tickets were sold before the doors opened.

The evening culminated with grand-prize drawings for a Kate Spade New York leather laptop case and a Sig Sauer P320 9mm pistol.

It was the first big bash for new WCA CEO Mandy Zalich, who moved over from heading CASA of Westmoreland when former long-time CEO Tay Waltenbaugh retired.

Guns were provided by REC Gunworks LLC in Bolivar, handbags by Macy’s. Food was courtesy of Bubba’s in Greensburg.