Putting for dough, and a good cause
A 12-foot-long platform that leads through a nail polish bottle, past a pair of scissors and through a high-heeled shoe can bring you one step closer to the grand prize.
Sixteen more opportunities to knock down a putt, all varying in originality and difficulty, will intertwine the streets and businesses of downtown Charleroi.
The Magic City Open, the fifth installment of the annual business crawl sponsored by TEAM Charleroi, will take place from 4 to 8 p.m. May 19.
However, this event may have a little more incentive awaiting a participant by night’s end, a possible $20,000 prize eclipsing the door prizes offered before.
As contestants stop at 17 downtown businesses sporting a miniature golf hole, a hole-in-one will enter them in a drawing for the chance to make a 50-foot putt at the Market House on McKean Avenue for the grand prize.
“We have never had a grand prize even similar to that,” said Daneen Troup, owner of Prima Diva Boutique and TEAM Charleroi volunteer.
Contestants can purchase tickets to the event at Susan Jo’s Salon, J.K. Tener Library, Prima Diva Boutique, Studio K Salon and Spa and Rego’s restaurant for $10. Mulligans can also be purchased for $5.
Registration is from 4 to 6:30 p.m. the day of the event in Market Square, where participants acquire a map of the “course.” Proceeds will benefit the J.K. Tener Library.
Troup, who has been involved with TEAM Charleroi since it was part of the Mon Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce, knows this event not only aids the library but everyone involved.
“We don’t set a price goal,” said Troup. “The event benefits the library because it’s very active with all of our community events and is always in need of raising funds. We benefit as business owners because every time we do this event, we have new people come into our stores – some not even knowing we were here before.”
Previous business crawls to the 20 businesses and 48 individuals involved in the TEAM Charleroi volunteer effort included Salons and Saloons, Kentucky Derby, Mardi Gras and Ladies of the ’80s.
“It helps all the businesses when we work together outside of our own four walls,” said Troup.
“As a whole, when we know what other business owners are doing in Charleroi, it helps us promote the downtown space even more.”
The event is also sponsored by Model Uniform and Cleaners, The Protin Group, Tri-County Care Cleaning and Dierken’s Pharmacy and Giftland.
Many of the participating businesses will serve light refreshments, while entertainment will be sponsored by Lee Supply Co. and provided by DJ Donn Henderson.