In the category of Inventive Fundraisers…. $11,000 worth of rocking for Vincentian Charity

Bill Zlatos of Trib Total Media Pittsburgh writes

Sister Lorraine Marie Ferlin, 72, of the Vincentian Home in McCandess is known as the ‘Rock-a-thon Queen’ because of her successful fundraising efforts in the “Rocking for Residents” event. In 2014, she raised almost $11,000 for the Vincentian Collaborative System, the most raised by anyone participating in the rocking-chair marathon that year.

Sister Lorraine Marie Ferlin is a one-woman rocking crew.

“They call me the Rock-a-thon Queen. They’re always teasing me,” said Sister Lorraine, 72, an 18-year resident of Vincentian Home in McCandless.

For six weeks before the annual “Rocking for Residents” fundraiser, Sister Lorraine sits in her wheelchair at the entrance to the home and urges visitors to make a pledge to Vincentian Collaborative System’s fundraiser.

If anyone wants to volunteer to rock with her this year to raise money, she’s game.

“When I’m done with my work, I go down there and rock for almost two hours. I take a novel with me, Mary Higgins Clark — I like her mystery books — and then I fall asleep, but I still rock,” she said.

“Last year, I made the most money. I made almost $11,000, by myself.”

The rocking chair marathon raised about $60,000 altogether — Sister Lorraine raised almost $1 of every $5 donated.

This year’s rock-a-thon will take place from noon to 3 p.m. June 13 in the Vincentian Home in McCandless, Marian Manor in Green Tree and Vincentian de Marillac in Pittsburgh’s Stanton Heights neighborhood.

“It’s just an afternoon of spending time having fun in our homes. You can rock as long as you want,” said J. Jude Hazard, spokesman for Vincentian Collaborative System. The Catholic nonprofit group, based in McCandless, runs the three senior-living facilities.

Activities during the rock-a-thon include a singalong, a cake walk, games, prizes, refreshments, and appearances by Mr. McFeely, the Pirate Parrot, Steely McBeam and an Elvis impersonator.

Hazard said rockers range from babies held by a relative to a 100-year-old resident. Two years ago, he said, a resident fretted because she did not think she could participate.

“Don’t worry, Grandma,” Hazard recalled her grandson telling her. “I’ll rock for you.”

This year, the donations will refurbish patios and porches and beautify the gardens at Vincentian’s facilities.

A member of Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, Sister Lorraine is a retired first-grade teacher. She worked at St. Sebastian School in Ross, St. Ursula School in Hampton, the former St. Robert Bellarmine School in East McKeesport and the former St. Michael School in Munhall.

Bill Zlatos is a Trib Total Media staff writer. Reach him at 724-772-6353 or bzlatos@tribweb.com.

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