SCRANTON — For years, Joe Fasula sought a good use for the flower tent outside Gerrity’s Supermarket and Gerrity’s Ace Hardware in the Keyser Oak Center once the selling season ended.
Three years ago, Gerrity’s started hosting a Grill Fest event that evolved into a significant fundraiser for the Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital in Danville, said Fasula, co-owner of Gerrity’s, which operates 10 supermarkets throughout Lackawanna, Luzerne and Northampton counties, and six Ace Hardware stores.
“We thought we should have something fun to show off what Ace can do,” Fasula said.
The third annual event Sunday afternoon raised funds to support the vital mission of the children’s hospital.
Samantha Hinkle, a development specialist for the Children’s Miracle Network at Geisinger, stressed the money stays local to benefit children in the region.
“It really helps with accessibility here in Northeast Pennsylvania,” she said. “The fact that Geisinger is able to buy top-of-the-line equipment prevents families from having to drive to major cities to get care. They can stay right here in their own communities. All the money helps pay for pediatric equipment, services like Child Life, and education for our staff to make sure they’re well equipped for their day-to-day work.”
The event featured samples from wineries and breweries throughout the region, including Susquehanna Brewing Company in Jenkins Twp., Lucchi Family Wine Cellars in Scranton, Grovedale Winery in Wyalusing and New Trail Brewery in Williamsport, Fasula said.
“We ask our vendor partners and local businesses like wineries and breweries to support us, and they love the opportunity to get their samples to people,” Fasula said.
For $15 in advance, or $20 at the door, guests were provided food, drink samples, live music and grilling demonstrations. The event raised about $8,000 last year, Fasula said.
The total for this year won’t be known until all advance sales from each of the stores are tabulated, he added.
“Sam shares a lot of stories with us about the kids this has helped over the years, and you see the commercials, so you know your money is going to help a good cause,” Fasula said.
Len and Cathy Mickavicz of Taylor attended the Grill Fest event for a second consecutive year. In addition to enjoying the food, they like supporting charitable causes.
“We were looking for something to do last year, and I didn’t even know it supported the hospital,” Cathy Mickavicz said. “It’s absolutely wonderful and a great feeling. We do what we can; I’d rather give than get.”
Rich Kneal and Katie Branca, employees of Gerrity’s Ace Hardware in Shavertown, cook food Sunday during the 3rd annual Grill Fest at Gerrity’s on North Keyser Avenue in Scranton. (ROBERT TOMKAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO)
Gary Hafer, a Weber grill ambassador, cooks burgers Sunday afternoon during the 3rd annual Grill Fest at Gerrity’s on North Keyser Avenue in Scranton. (ROBERT TOMKAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO)
Nicole Howell of Wyalusing-based Grovedale Winery served wine samples during the Grill Fest event at Gerrity’s Ace Hardware Sunday which benefited the Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital. (ROBERT TOMKAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO)
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Rich Kneal and Katie Branca, employees of Gerrity’s Ace Hardware in Shavertown, cook food Sunday during the 3rd annual Grill Fest at Gerrity’s on North Keyser Avenue in Scranton. (ROBERT TOMKAVAGE/STAFF PHOTO)
Originally Published: October 12, 2025 at 6:20 PM EDT