LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL — Rotarians and supporters gathered Saturday for the annual Mardi Gras fundraiser, organized by the Rotary Club of Weirton Heights and held at Pepsi-Cola Roadhouse. This year’s event was held in support of the Weirton Christian Center. -- Craig Howell

BURGETTSTOWN — Members of the Rotary Club of Weirton Heights and their guests let the good times roll Saturday night, while lending a hand to a local organization.

The Rotary Club’s annual Mardi Gras fundraiser event saw members of the community gather at Pepsi-Cola Roadhouse for an evening of fun, food, dancing and more, all to raise funds and awareness in support of the Weirton Christian Center.

“I am so excited we were able to do this with them,” Rotary Club President Cathie Caranda said, thanking Christian center staff for their assistance in organizing the event alongside club members. “They have worked so hard.”

The Weirton Christian Center was founded in 1917 as part of a local Baptist ministry, becoming a focal point for social events, recreation, educational opportunities and more as new residents from throughout the world arrived in the Upper Ohio Valley looking for employment at the growing Weirton Steel.

“We are so grateful to be made beneficiary,” said Christian center Executive Director Kim Weaver.

Its first location was in the city’s north end, including three buildings on Avenue D donated by Weirton Steel. It would move to Elm Street in 1979, and to its current Ivy Street building in 2018.

“The Christian center has been here 108 years,” Weaver said, noting she has been a part of their services for around 18 years. “It has been such a blessing for me to see what the Christian Center does.”

Today, the Weirton Christian Center focuses much of its services toward providing for area youth, with preschool and after-school programs, nutrition assistance and more. A community garden, cared for by the center and local civic organizations and other volunteers, is located nearby.

“We’re in the business of making a difference in the lives of children” Weaver said, introducing three individuals who attended the Christian Center in their youth.

Each described the impact the center had and continues to have in their lives.

Nick Abbott noted much of his life is filled with memories of the Weirton Christian Center because it provided a stable environment, along with food and support during a difficult childhood.

“At one point in my life, I felt I had nowhere to go,” he said, explaining he had been battling substance use issues and living in a tent somewhere in Iowa.

He was able to contact Weaver, who helped him get into a support program and provide guidance as he worked to get his life on a better path. He noted, even today, he has been able to receive support from the Christian Center while he has been on ministry efforts in Africa.

Kristen Truax explained she, along with her parents, and now her own children, have attended the Weirton Christian Center.

“Growing up, there was just a lot of love around,” she said of the center, recalling being able to attend summer camp, go to church, and learn life lessons through the programs. “These kids have so much love and support.”

Maleah Smith noted she attended Christian center programs beginning in preschool and going all the way through her high school years, learning the importance of faith and leadership.

“They taught me how to learn, about Jesus, say my ABCs and how to work,” she said, explaining she didn’t always have stability in her childhood as she often found herself living with different relatives. “The one thing that didn’t change was the Christian Center, the staff and their love.”

Smith now works at the Christian center, helping to pass on those lessons to new generations.

“I get to show them a little of what Miss Kim showed me,” she said.

Caranda offered her appreciation to those who purchased tickets for Saturday’s event and made sponsorships to help make it a success.

“We have so many sponsors that gave so much,” Caranda said.

Support for this year’s fundraiser was provided by Life of the Mardi sponsors: WVU Medicine Weirton Medical Center, Orecchio Properties, RE Saxon Jewelers and Home Environment Solutions; Gold level sponsors: The Center of Music and Art, Fairfield by Marriott, First Choice America Community Federal Credit Union, Dr. Madhu Aggarwal and Dr. Krishan Aggarwal, Dr. J.K. and Dolly Luthra, Hancock County Savings Bank, Starvaggi Industries and Wine and Beverage Merchants; Silver sponsors: DeeJay’s BBQ Ribs and Grille, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Dr. Ravi Dimple and Dr. Sheena Chopra, In memory of Dr. Gurdev Singh Purwal, Dr. Armarjeet and Dr. Neeta Singh, the Herald-Star and The Weirton Daily Times, Howard Hanna Real Estate, Jack and Debbie Fowler, James White Construction, State Farm Insurance, United Bank and Weirton Geriatric Center; and Bronze sponsors Alex E. Paris, Cedar One Realty, Ferguson Tire, Fuscardo Family Urgent Care, Giannamore’s Self Storage, S.M. Magnone CPA, Shafer Electrict and Construction, Theo Yianni’s and Tom Welch.