By Debbie Adams
Pok-E-Joe’s BBQ restaurant hosted their first Spirit Night fundraiser since opening in Vinton,
benefiting Thrasher Preschool. Owner Cory Welch donated 5% of the restaurant’s daily sales to
the preschool which is located at, and affiliated with, Thrasher Memorial United Methodist
Church, just up the street from Pok-E-Joe’s.
Thrasher Preschool Director Erin Edmondson said Pok-E-Joe’s made the process of fundraising
easy with no apps to sign up for, no forms to complete—just a tally of all the sales made that day
to anyone dining at the restaurant.
“Parents love a family-oriented fundraiser like this,” Edmondson said. The donation is
designated for the preschool’s general fund to meet budget demands.
Jess Curtin, who helped facilitate the event, and who has a child attending Thrasher preschool,
thanked Welch for his contribution to the children, and, also, his continuing commitment to the
community since opening his restaurant in the heart of downtown. There is seldom a community
event where Welch does not make an appearance to support various causes and other businesses.
Curtin also had high praise for the program at Thrasher as “the top tier” preschool and
kindergarten readiness program in the area.
Welch plans to continue hosting a fundraiser each month for schools, community organizations,
and causes. He grew up in Vinton, always found it to be a “tight-knit community” and plans to
continue to encourage that feeling. Another fundraiser is scheduled, this one for W. E. Cundiff
Elementary, in late November.
Thrasher Preschool offers full-day and half-day programs for children ages 3-5, focused on
kindergarten readiness. While the full-day program is full, there are openings in the half-day
programs. The half-day programs for three-year-olds runs from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, either three or
five days a week. Four-year-old’s attend five days a week from 9 to noon.
Contact Edmondson at 540-344-4125 for more information or email her at preschool@thrasherumc.org.
