This past weekend would have been It’s a Wonderful Life festival in Seneca Falls.
Organizers said everything was moved virtual this year – including the race and other special events. But that didn’t stop the It’s A Wonderful Life Committee from giving back to the community.
This year, the committee decided to take a page from the movie and celebrate the true spirit of Christmas.
In the movie, Uncle Billy loses $8,000 and creates unbelievable hardship for George Bailey. George’s friends find out and spread the word to the community and everyone comes to give what they had to help George. The It’s A Wonderful Life Festival Committee is made up of local business owners and community members – and they decided this year to give back in a special way.
Instead of just donating $8,000, the committee decided to give back in a big way and have decided to donate $8,000 three times – which is $24,000 to local food pantries. “In this year of uncertainty, when families are under the strain of dealing with the pandemic,” said Ann Sandroni the organizations treasurer. “The committee wanted to try to make sure that getting food was a little easier for those who are in need.”
The committee has donated:
House of Concern Seneca County – $8,000
Cayuga Seneca Community Action Programs – $8,000
Another $8,000 divided among:
Seneca Falls Backpack program – $2,000
Trevors Gift – Waterloo – $2,000
South Seneca Ecumenical Food Pantry – $2,000
Interlaken Reformed Church Kitchen Cupboard – $500
Lodi Presbyterian Church – $500
Tyre Food Pantry – $500
Harmony Food Pantry – $500
The Committee also is encouraging anyone from the community who can to please donate to these charities or the charity of your choice this holiday season. Every little bit helps to ease the stress of this year on families and individuals who have been hit hard.
The It’s A Wonderful Life Festival continues to be one of the most cherished events of the year in New York State – and next year, plans are already underway for the celebration of the 75th Anniversary of the movie! Save the dates now for next year’s celebration – December 10-12, 2021. See our website for more details: therealbedfordfalls.com.
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