DANVILLE -- September 2023 will mark the 9th year local organizations and community volunteers have joined forces to help fight pediatric cancer and raise funds to benefit the ThinkBIG^® Pediatric Cancer Fund.

This year, the Going Gold Pediatric Cancer Awareness and Fundraising Campaign of Central PA (Going Gold) is excited to kick-off their month-long calendar of events as part of the 44th Annual Fall Arts & Crafts Festival happening along Mill Street in Downtown Danville on Saturday, September 9 from 9 am to 4 pm. Going Gold will be set up within Canal Park with live music, children’s activities, and ways you and your family can help raise funds and make a difference in the lives of those battling pediatric cancer.

"We believe that the power of art and community can create change, and we are proud to stand alongside the “Going Gold” Team in their mission to fight pediatric cancer," said Rebecca Dressler, Executive Director of the Danville Business Alliance, and the Fall Arts & Crafts Festival event organizer. "Through this collaboration, we aim to not only showcase our local talents but also raise funds and awareness that will contribute to important research and support services for children and families facing this challenge." 

The Going Gold initiative, which began locally in 2015, has raised over $96,750 to help ThinkBIG^® carry out its mission to lessen financial stress for families with children fighting the disease. Since ThinkBIG^® started in 2014, the organization has provided over $1.3 million in financial support to local families.

"ThinkBIG is extremely blessed to be the beneficiary of all the funds that are raised via the generous efforts of so many establishments in the region during the Going Gold movement,” said Colby Wesner, founder of ThinkBIG. “These efforts have annually become one of ThinkBIG's largest outreach and fundraising initiatives, and the commitment from the community goes a long way in helping ThinkBIG fulfill our mission of helping families navigate the financial stressors of a pediatric cancer diagnosis."

The ThinkBIG^® Pediatric Cancer Fund reported that nearly 15,500 children in the United States are diagnosed with cancer every year.  Research to help find a cure for pediatric cancer is severely underfunded. Some report only 4% of available government funding goes to support pediatric cancer research. But, together, we can make a difference.

Entertainment Scheduled for September 9 Event
Bring a lawn chair or blankets and join us for a great line-up of live entertainment including:

• 10 am – Chrissy Brady Shipe
• 11am – Tyler Erik
• 12 pm – Woody Wolfe
• 1 pm – Jeff Mamett
• 2 pm – Jeff and Amelia Bowdell
• 3 pm – Van Wagner

Gold Dust | A Special Tradition Continues

In addition to the awareness events, a special tradition that has become part of this initiative is also expanding. For the past few years, Old Forge Brewing Company, located in Danville, and Marley’s Brewery & Grille, located in Bloomsburg, have collaborated on a special brew. This year the collaboration has expanded to include Rusty Rail Brewing Company, located in Mifflinburg. Together, they have partnered to produce Gold Dust. This is not only helping to expand fundraising efforts but is also helping to expand awareness about this special cause.

"We're proud to support such a great cause with great partners, and I'm happy to see new partners join the effort this year,” added Damien Malfara, owner of Old Forge Brewing Company. “Gold Dust is a great beer and we always look forward to its return each September. With Rusty Rail partnering with us this year, we are able to share it with a wider audience and bring more awareness to the fight against pediatric cancer."

A portion of the proceeds from this special pale ale sold during September 2023 will benefit ThinkBIG^®. Gold Dust will be available during the September 9 event. All proceeds from this event will benefit ThinkBIG^®.

Organizations and businesses involved in Going Gold 2023 include: 1905 Tavern, Scranton; Arrowhead Bar & Restaurant, Milton; Bull Run Tap House, Lewisburg; Geisinger, Danville; Heart to Hand Ministries, Danville; Marley’s Brewery & Grille, Bloomsburg; Matty’s Sporthouse & Grill, Lewisburg; Old Forge Brewing Company, Danville; Rusty Rail Brewing Company, Mifflinburg; Service 1st Federal Credit Union, Danville; Union Cellars; Lewisburg; Watson Inn, Watsontown; and Weis, Sunbury.

Click here to learn more about Going Gold 2023, and to check out a full list of events scheduled for September.