Cooking event raises $55,000 for health clinic
PENN TWP — Butler’s only free health clinic for the uninsured raised more than it ever has before at an annual cooking event.
Community Health Clinic of Butler County raised $55,000 at its annual Signature Sensations event on Nov. 4 at Butler Country Club.
The event featured QED Cooks host and television personality Chris Fennimore, who served a variety of courses alongside chefs from across Butler County.
Jim Cunningham, the clinic’s director of development, said that the event raised about $3,000 more than last year, and also set a record with 141 attendees, up from 125 last year. He said the event has grown substantially since its first year.
“Three years ago we raised (about) $39,000,” Cunningham said. “So it’s a pretty significant increase.”
Cunningham said the fundraiser’s success is crucial to the clinic, which is funded completely through charitable gifts.
“This event represents a little more than 10 percent of our operating budget, so it’s a big deal,” Cunningham said.
The clinic offers primary health care, dental care, diabetes management and initial behavioral health services to the uninsured. It is the only community-based volunteer clinic in southwestern Pennsylvania.
