People in Broome County gathered for a special way to celebrate Bavarian culture and tradition on Friday. A Room to Heal hosted its 2nd annual Oktoberfest in Johnson City, giving people a way to give back to children. As our Elyse Mickalonis tells us, it’s an event that allows people to raise money for a very special cause.

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JOHNSON CITY, N.Y. -- With October right around the corner, people in Johnson City wasted no time celebrating Oktoberfest on Friday.

“We really wanted to bring a great event to the community and of course it’s for fundraising,” said Ron Abess, A Room to Heal Director of Operations.

The fun was all part of A Room to Heal’s 2nd annual Oktoberfest. The event celebrated Bavarian culture and tradition, while raising money to create healing environments for children with serious medical conditions in Broome County.

“We’ve done approximately 60 rooms to date over a six to seven year period. It’s really heartwarming when you see the children when we reveal the rooms to them and you see their faces and they’re so excited, they hug their parents and the project managers and everyone who helped out, it’s really special,” said Abess.

Governor Cuomo’s local representative Kevin McCabe read a letter from the governor at the event. McCabe says he’s always been impressed by the organization.

“These people come together out of the kindness of their hearts to help child in such need and families that have children who are struggling,” said Kevin McCabe, Governor Andrew Cuomo’s Regional Representative.

Those who have been on the receiving end of A Room to Heal say they’re grateful for all the help.

“My daughter was nine-months-old when she was diagnosed and A Room to Heal came and set up a wonderful playground in our backyard. And I like to give back to the organization now,” said Daniel Polhamus, A Room to Heal Assistant Board Member.

For $65, visitors enjoyed a Bavarian feast, beer and music. Organizers hope to raise about $12,000.

“All the proceeds tonight are going to go to our organization and they’ll directly benefit kids to use that money to create healing environments for local kids in the Southern Tier,” said Megan Ford, A Room to Heal Director of Marketing.
Creating spaces and smiling faces.

For more information on A Room to Heal, head to www.aroomtoheal.org.