The idea came about when Kowalonek's manager, Jessica Hannis approached Chill Out's owner Anna Marie Decusky about doing an event together to benefit DSI.
"We've been going to a lot of different towns recently and wanted to do something for Shenandoah", said Hannis.
Hannis says they chose DSI for how much the group has done for the community over recent years.
Downtown Shenandoah Inc. is a revitalization group ran by volunteers that began in 2002. The group has done 42 facade improvement programs through grants from the state. The group is currently in the process of developing a business innovations center that will be located in the 100 Block of North Main Street, Shenandoah. The group also organizes yearly events for the borough such as the "Old Fashioned Christmas" and "Heritage Day" as well as other events that get high school students more involved in community service.
"This event shows us how much the community supports us." said Mary Luscavage, President of DSI.
"It's just such an awesome thing for Chill Out and Kowalonek's to do. They want to do this for us to help us get our funding and to match grants.", added Luscavage.
For the event, Kowalonek's Kielbasy set up a tent outside of Chill Out and sold Kielbasy Cheesesteaks, Kielbasy Bacon Bombs, and Kielbasy Mac N' Cheese.
Chill Out offered their full menu featuring their new Hawaiian Love Shake was made with mango sorbet, pineapple dole whip twist, homemade whipped cream, a banana, toasted coconut and pineapple chunks.
The proceeds from sales from both went to DSI.
A basket raffle and door prizes were also auctioned off.
Hann is and Decusky both hope the event grows in years to come with more businesses joining to benefit other groups in the borough.
Photos and Story by J. Reed
