The North Starz Team has come up with a unique way to raise funds for VOICe. Individual team offices partner with their business customers in a win-win situation for both the branch and the business. On Fridays, branch employees wear golf shirts with the business customer’s logo on the front. The business customer donates $25 per shirt, with the proceeds going toward VOICe. In-branch signage lets walk-in customers know that the business customer is helping Parkvale support VOICe. Since February 2007, this fundraising event has helped the North Starz collect $950 for their charity.

During May, the North Starz held a donation drive called “Violets for VOICe.” The program asked customers and employees to donate useful items to put into gift baskets for women staying in VOICe’s transitional housing. Items such as hairbrushes, combs, body lotion, make up kits and toothbrushes were collected. North Starz team members assembled the gift baskets and delivered them May 10, along with food items obtained during a nonperishable food drive that took place in April.

Another way team members helped raise money for VOICe was by purchasing raffle tickets for a chance at a paid day-off from work. Tickets were $5 each and the team generated $120 during this event. Also in March, the North Starz raffled off a hand-crocheted afghan and matching toss pillows that were made by a team member. This promotion netted $265.

The North Starz’ major fundraising event of the year was a Murder Mystery Dinner. The event took place Saturday, October 20, at the North Park Clubhouse on Route 8 in Gibsonia. As an added bonus, a Mario Lemieux hockey stick was raffled off during dinner.

For details on how to contribute or participate, contact North Starz Team Leader, Wexford Branch Manager Tammy Czyz at 724-933-7600. Thank you for helping Parkvale Bank support the Victim Outreach Intervention Center.