Holy Cross Pumpkin Patch distributes $33,500 to local ministry partners
February 17, 2017
Holy Cross Episcopal Church announced that all of the proceeds from the 2016 Pumpkin Patch have been distributed to 10 charitable organizations in the Upstate, which will share in a total of $33,500. The ministry partners are Habitat for Humanity, Safe Harbor, Golden Strip Emergency Relief and Resource Agency, James Monroe Mission House, Little Steps, Holy Cross Academy Scholarship Fund Care, Fountain Inn Kid Enrichment, Greenville Literacy Association, Synergy Garden, and Upstate Warrior Solution.
The patch began in 2006 as an outreach ministry to raise funds for the church’s contribution to an annual Habitat for Humanity home build. Since then, it has grown to provide funding for other non-profit ministry partners, raising more than $213,000—all of which has been distributed to local agencies.
On February 12, Holy Cross presented checks to each ministry partner during services held at the church. “We want to thank our customers who see the positive impact this fundraiser has in our community and support it year after year with their purchases of pumpkins, gourds, and corn stalks,” said patch coordinator Randy Cockrill.
Holy Cross would also like to thank the volunteers and sponsors for their ongoing support. This year, more than 500 volunteers gave their time, including people from Holy Cross and several local businesses that sponsor the patch by providing assistance with expenses and supplies: GHS Hillcrest Memorial Hospital, Vaughn’s Country Store, The Ice Cream Station, Lowe’s of Simpsonville, Hucks Financial Services, Allstate’s Cornell Sweeney, Spinx, Chick-filA of Simpsonville and Mauldin, and Park Sterling Bank.
The Rev. Michael Flanagan said the patch fits perfectly with the church’s mission statement, Making Christ Visible in God’s Community. “This is our largest outreach effort and something Upstate families look forward to every fall,” he said. “Through this fundraiser, we strive to make Christ visible in God’s community, partnering with local organizations to help those in need. Thus, the patch is sacramental—an outward and visible sign of God’s love in action.”
The pumpkins, gourds, and ornamental corn sold at the Holy Cross Pumpkin Patch are grown on a Navajo Indian reservation in New Mexico. The patch also sells bundled cornstalks grown by Upstate farmers. The patch, located on Main Street in Simpsonville, will be open for the 2017 season starting on October 7.
Holy Cross Episcopal Church is located at 205 E. College Street in Simpsonville. For more information, visit the Holy Cross Pumpkin Patch on Facebook or go to www.holycrossep.org.
