‘Wedding For Good’ To Raise Money For Mental Health, Promote Community
Love is in the air in Happy Valley this week — and no, not all of it has to do with Valentine’s Day. The first annual “Wedding For Good” event is slated to kick off at 4 p.m. Saturday, February 15 in downtown State College.
Organized by Jason Browne and colleague Angela Steco, “Wedding For Good” is a unique fundraiser for mental health. It entails a staged wedding ceremony between Steco and Browne at Three Dots, followed by a fancy reception catered by Federal Taphouse at the Hyatt Place.
The reception will also include comedic flare from Happy Valley Improv, a cash bar, funky music by Mint DJ, and various activities that tie in mental health awareness. One such activity involves Taproot Kitchen — a culinary business that hires adults with autism and other intellectual disabilities. Individuals will be able to hangout, talk, and make their own appetizers alongside Taproot employees to learn about mental health in a completely different capacity.
Throughout the night, those in attendance will have the opportunity to win a $3,000 dollar diamond, donated by Confer’s Jewelers in Bellfonte. Organizers also hope to have mental health professionals from State College available to facilitate conversations about mental health after the ceremony and before the reception.
Tickets for the event are being sold for $25, and all proceeds will benefit United Way, the Jana Marie Foundation, Tides, and the Osaze Osagie Foundation at Penn State.
Browne and Steco came up with the idea for the fundraiser this past summer after mutual friends started joking about how the pair often acts like a married couple. The B945 Radio colleagues have worked together for nearly five years, serving as co-hosts for the station’s morning show each day. The jokes, in turn, planted a seed for the fundraiser, and suddenly “Wedding For Good” was born.
“Angela and I wanted to do something fun and give back to the community,” Browne said in a release. “We wanted to try something weird, quirky, and different.”
Browne and Steco have worked hard to add their own personal touches and creativity, so that this fundraiser stands out among all others.
Through it all, Browne says he hopes they can help raise awareness about mental health services in State College, encourage community members to support each other, and provide an opportunity for people to do something for others.
“I want people to have fun,” Browne said. “Raising money for good causes and doing something good for another group of people should be an enjoyable time. It should be something that people look forward to like every single year.”
“A traditional wedding unites two people. Wedding For Good unites the community,” the release reads.
Your ad blocker is on.
Please choose an option below.
Purchase a Subscription!
About the Author
‘There’s No Place Like Home’: Lizzie Palmieri’s Senior Column
“There were things that mattered and things that didn’t. Oftentimes, a quick peek behind the curtain was just enough to tell the difference.”
[Photo Story] Campus From A Worm’s Eye View
Our worm friends took us on a guided tour of campus and showed us what they see from the world below.
‘United In That Passion For Events & Music’: Movin’ On Executive Director Leading Festival For Second Year
“My top takeaway from [Movin’ On] is the people and relationships that I’ve been able to make through it.”
From Wall Street To McAllister Alley: The Story Of Gemelli Bakers
“When they say [bread is the] staff of life, that’s exactly what it is. But really, it’s [also] the crust and crumb that holds the community together, whether it’s family, whether it’s the neighborhood, or even just the restaurants downtown.