The concept for the Beer-BQ event originated in August 2025. Following the excitement of our 2nd place medal finish and securing a spot to compete in Germany, the Gau-Team and coaches met at Vereinigung Erzgebirge on a summer night. Our discussion centered on various fundraising strategies to reduce the costs associated with the upcoming trip. With many current team members raising young families, marking significant life milestones, or just starting their careers, it was essential that we raise funds to offset as many expenses as possible. Drawing on my past experience successfully organizing three similar Beef and Beer events for the Women’s Soccer team, I was confident this effort could significantly contribute to achieving our financial goal.
Organizing our Beef and Beer fundraiser, or the more family-friendly Beer-BQ, was truly a labor of love. I deeply value the time spent dancing weekly and competing biyearly with this group. We’ve shared so many milestones—watching each other grow, get married, and now start our own families. The background work for the event was straightforward, keeping the beneficiaries in mind. Beginning in January 2026, I started reaching out to local businesses, experiences within the area, and sports teams with my personal motto: if you don’t ask, the answer is always no. The response was incredibly generous, and I was overwhelmed with gratitude. We successfully gathered 28 amazing vouchers, baskets, and prizes for the raffle.
Thank you to all those who donated:
- Boat Day New Jersey
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Philadelphia Phillies
- Philadelphia Flyers
- Erm Co Inc Auto Service
- Kalahari Pocono Resorts
- Rieker’s Prime Meat
- MK Dance Workshop
- Hershey Gardens
- DeLuca Homes
- Tree Trail Adventures
- Valley of Fear
- Longwood Gardens
- TopGolf Northeast
- Langhorne Goldfish Swim School
- Randi Finkel
- Trenton Thunder
- Vereinigung Erzgebirge
- Delaware Saengerbund
- Select Soccer Center
- Language Service Associates
- La Grange Restaurant
- Elite Concepts Salon
- Christina Paul
- Brianne Galgon and Candy Herrel
- Morgan Schulz
Our Beer-BQ fundraiser, held on Saturday, April 11th at the Fireside Inn in Feasterville, PA, was extremely successful. The weather was perfect for the event, which drew over 150 attendees to support the dancers traveling to Germany this July. The turnout was wonderful, bringing together people from all corners of the community. It was a pleasure to welcome back some “old timers” who hadn’t been around in a while, former men’s team players and their families, and current women’s soccer players. We were also thrilled to see members of the group invite friends and family from outside the organization, fostering new connections. The event offered something for everyone, a photobooth/ backdrop area to remember the event with pictures, a child friendly face painter and balloon artist, open bar and food, and raffles, ensuring all ages had a great time and enjoyed the camaraderie while supporting the cause.
The success and smooth execution of the event were entirely dependent on the efforts of our dedicated members. I have made every effort to personally thank all those who contributed, whether their assistance involved morning set-up, coordinating and acquiring raffle prizes, managing finances and reservations, selling raffles during the event, promoting ticket sales to friends and family, or helping to call out and distribute prizes. I am genuinely grateful to be part of a community where members offer to help at a moment’s notice. The event could not have been a success without the support of those who handled these tasks and assisted with any preparations. This fundraiser may have been my idea, but was not something I could have accomplished solo.
The BBQ fundraiser was a huge success. We not only had a great time together, but we also accomplished our goal and raised over $3000 for our upcoming competition trip to Germany this July. DEUTSCHLAND HERE WE COME!
Michelle McFadden
