In September of 2021, a bus carrying students from LCBC's Manheim campus crashed on the way home from a religious retreat, seriously injuring two girls. More than a year later, the girls and their families are still working on recovery, and Carrie Bonanno wants to help. Bonanno and her family, including her husband, Adam, will host a Winter Woodland Benefit Christmas Party on Friday, Dec. 23, from 6 to 10 p.m. at The Booking House, 210 S. Penn St., Manheim.

"We're going to have appetizers, dinner and an open bar," Carrie said. "We're having a DJ and dancing and a silent auction. We've had a lot of different people in the community who have donated items for the auction." The evening will also include games and a photo backdrop for Christmas photos. "We'll have lots of winter woodland decorations, and someone is making a giant snow globe, so people can get their picture taken in that," Carrie stated. Proceeds from the event will benefit Sara Echegoyen and Faith Wenger, both juniors at Manheim Central High School.

The Bonannos' daughter, Belle, was on the bus as well and has been a longtime friend of both girls. Belle was also injured in the crash and is still in physical therapy. "All of the families on the bus have supported each other and been there for each other," Carrie noted. She got the idea for the fundraiser after witnessing what the Wenger and Echegoyen families have experienced over the past year.

"We're very close to the Wenger family, and just seeing them go through daily life has been eye-opening," Carrie remarked, noting that both Faith and Sara sustained spinal cord injuries in the accident. "We're hoping to sell enough tickets to help offset some of the costs of their ongoing medical bills, adaptive equipment costs and car and home accessibility needs." One hundred percent of ticket sales, donations and money raised at the event will go to the families, Carrie said, adding that her family will cover any costs associated with the event. She added that Rettew's Catering and The Booking House have both given significant discounts for their services and that Orrstown Bank has contributed to the event as well. The event's DJ, Portable Soundz, also offered its services for a discount.

Carrie emphasized that the evening is meant to be a festive event, despite the circumstances that led to the need for it. "It's going to be a fun night to celebrate the accomplishments of how far the girls have come," she said. "It's amazing to see the faith that Sara and Faith have. They've been able to stay strong and stay positive, and we really want to celebrate that."

For more information or to purchase tickets for the Winter Woodland Benefit Christmas Party, visit http://www.winterwoodlandparty.com. Anyone who wants to donate but cannot attend the event can make a donation at the site.