Knoch Music Boosters cookie sale benefits students, residents
SAXONBURG — The word “dozen” was interpreted generously Saturday at the Knoch Music Boosters’ fourth annual Cookie Walk fundraiser at the Saxonburg Volunteer Fire Company social hall.
People who came to buy a dozen cookies for their Christmas gatherings for the advertised price of $10 went home with many more tasty, homemade goodies than they might have expected.
An estimated 5,000 to 6,000 cookies in about 30 varieties were made by boosters members and donated by businesses and friends of the organization. The boosters use the money to help offset the cost of the Knoch High School chorus, orchestra, concert band and ensemble activities. About 30 students participate in those groups.
“We had a really good turnout,” said Courtney Dekker, Boosters president. “Multiple repeat customers from last year, which is good.”
She said the money raised will help cover the cost of travel and meals for spring trips and competitions, instrument repair and uniform alterations. Some of the proceeds will be donated to two scholarship funds.
One of the boosters’ favorite trips is the annual visit to PNC Park to play the national anthem on the field before a Pittsburgh Pirates game.
“We get our own section we get to sit in. It’s nice for the kids and the families,” Dekker said.
Traci Meyers, a former booster who continues to volunteer for the annual Cookie Walk, and her husband Gary made 22 dozen cookies.
“It’s $10 a dozen, but don’t be surprised if you get a bakers dozen or more,” Traci Meyers said. “A lot of people struggle to put food on the table so we price them affordably so everybody can have cookies at Christmas.”
Boosters members also put together more than a dozen gift baskets that were raffled. A 50/50 drawing also was part of the fundraising effort.
By the time the Cookie Walk closed at 1 p.m., at least 150 boxes of the baked treats were sold, including some that were sold in advance.
Traci Meyers’ peanut butter blossoms are a perennial favorite at the event, and nearly all of the 12 dozen she made sold out.
