By Rick Dandes
SELINSGROVE — Students from Susquehanna University and Selinsgrove Area High School joined forces with a new downtown business in a fundraiser Thursday afternoon, collecting $473 for the Seals Den, a program that teaches independent living skills to Selinsgrove students.
Dave Hess, head football coach of the state champion Selinsgrove Seals and Seals Den adviser, said all the money raised would be used for supplies in the classroom.
“We’re very grateful for the community support,” Hess said.
Joining Hess on Walnut Street were students from The Seals Den, who held the ribbon all the way to the intersection of University Avenue and South High Street.
Mark Heintzelman and Cheri Desienne, owners of M. Heintzelman Jewelers, were planning the grand opening of their new store at 22 E. Walnut St., when a Susquehanna campus group, SIFE, Students in Free Enterprise, suggested a “dollar bill ribbon” that would stretch from the store to the university.
As drivers passed the students, they would stop and donate dollar bills, which were then attached to the ribbon, forming a ribbon of dollars.
“This, we thought, would be a pretty interesting way to help welcome the new store to the community,” said organizer Catarina Manney, of Elysburg, a university senior. “At the same time, we could help a great charity. The ribbon symbolizes the strong connection between downtown and the university.”
Heintzelman said that becoming a part of the community and “giving back” in some way was why he joined the student event.
“We wanted to do something meaningful with our opening,” he added.
The fundraiser didn’t end on Thursday, said Desienne. “We’re accepting donations at our jewelry store through March 27,” she said.
After that, the money will formally be given to The Seals Den.
Contributing their products to the event were Holsum Bakery, Troutman’s Meat Market, the Pepsi Cola Co. and Gracie’s Flowers.
