Fundraiser aims to recoup money lost from vandalism at Celtic fesitival

Posted on July 23, 2015

By Joe Ragusa

BLOOMINGTON – The St. Andrews Society of Central Illinois is trying to recoup after an annual event the group hosts was vandalized.

“There was over $25,000 worth of damage to our equipment,” Debi Andrews-Roach, costume manager for the St. Andrews Celtic Dancers said. “The vendor’s merchandise was either trashed or stolen. (The vandals) stuffed their cash registers full of mud. This is the first time in 25 years we’ve had vandalism at the games.”

Andrews-Roach told WJBC’s Dan Swaney the organization is hoping to recover at least $5,000 for next year’s Springfield Area Highland Games and Celtic Festival in Chatham.

The fundraiser will be held Saturday from 4-to-10 p.m. at the TRN Club on Lake Springfield. It costs $5 to get in and there will be food and drink available for purchase, as well as a silent auction.

Joe Ragusa can be reached at [email protected].

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