By Francis Scarcella
The Daily Item
HUMMELS WHARF — Several Valley personalities donated their time and tips for an important cause Thursday by becoming servers for the night at the Applebee's restaurant, Routes 11-15.
The Children's Miracle Network in conjunction with 94KX Cares for Kids Radio-A-Thon hosted the celebrity waiter event with all tips being donated to the Janet Weis Children's Hospital.
Waiters ranged from school teachers to school board presidents to rock musicians.
Paul Smith, of the rock band the Badlees, said he was thrilled to be back in the area.
"I am happy to be part of this. The Badlees have played around here in the past, and I am thankful for the chance to come back and be part of the community," he said. "It is also fun to help serve people."
Deb Brubaker, co-chairwoman of the event, was set on raising as much money as possible to help hospitalized children. "I am so happy with the turnout. Everyone is doing such a good job," she said. "We hope to raise a lot of money."
Drew Kelly, 94KX radio personality, praised Brubaker for her efforts.
"I'm so thrilled with what Deb does," he said. "She takes on so much and just does a great job."
Chelsey Pagana, Pennsylvania State University American Idol winner, said she jumped at the chance to help children.
"I am honored to be asked to do this," she said. "I would do anything I could to help out for a cause like this."
Dr. Amy Hedges, of the Janet Weis Children's Hospital, echoed Pagana.
"It is all for such a good cause," she said. "I am just excited and happy to be here."
Dave Hess, Selinsgrove Seals football coach, was behind the bar accepting drink orders with a smile. He said there was no place he would rather be.
"I would do anything for the Children's Miracle Network," he said. "It's all about the kids."
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