Event Management Intern Devises Successful ‘Sip & Drool’ Benefit
Published 07.31.2018
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An event conceived and managed by a Pennsylvania College of Technology student recently raised $2,460 for a nonprofit animal shelter and helped to find homes for several dogs.
Victoria A. Sosar, of Berwick, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration: sport and event management. As part of an internship this summer with Beale Manor, a special events venue in Chester County, Sosar was given the opportunity to plan and hold an event of her own.
“I came up with a bunch of ideas and stuck with the one that I would be most passionate about,” Sosar said. “Which just so happened to be one that had to do with animals.”
Sosar planned a unique “Sip & Drool Beer & Wine Festival” to benefit LaMancha Animal Rescue in Unionville.
“I found an animal rescue that was privately funded and that could use the extra help, which was LaMancha Animal Rescue, and reached out to them asking if they would allow me to hold this specific event for them,” Sosar said. “They were thrilled about it and really wanted to be a part of it. I wanted to do something unique for them, something that the public can look at and know it’s not quite like other beer and wine festivals. It’s … so much more than just the typical winery or brewery visit.”
The family-friendly event included activities for both children and pets, as well as craft beer and wine vendors and a specialty distillery for those 21 or over. Sosar also lined up several food vendors, 20 craft and product vendors, a variety of raffle baskets, musical entertainment, and a special presentation by the Chester County K-9 Unit.
The event not only raised funds for LaMancha Animal Rescue but also promoted pet adoption.
“LaMancha brought adoptable dogs throughout the day as planned, and a lot of people were interested in them,” Sosar said. Four LaMancha dogs were adopted as a result of the event.
Sosar’s planning began well before her summer internship officially commenced in May. She sought vendors, a DJ and other entertainment. She also developed a logo and began a Facebook campaign months before the July 14 event.
During the spring semester, when she began formulating her plans, Sosar was enrolled in a Professional Event Planning course taught by Chef Frank M. Suchwala, associate professor of hospitality management/culinary arts. The course teaches students to manage successful events, beginning with comprehensive planning that encompasses resources, site specifications and audience accommodations.
“I am thankful that Chef Frank taught me so much in event planning class,” Sosar said. “It was the most useful class and applied to almost everything I did to plan this event.”
Penn College’s sport and event management major includes a core of business courses in marketing, accounting, human resources and management, which is fortified by education in travel and tourism; sports management and marketing; event planning, promotion and management; and more.
LaMancha rescues and finds homes for horses, dogs, cats, goats and the occasional exotic animal that requires more space or specialized knowledge than most SPCAs can offer.
Beale Manor, built in Parkesburg in 1813 as a private home, serves as a venue for weddings, receptions, parties and other special events.
“Working for Beale Manor was a very positive internship experience,” Sosar said. “Amy Mowrey, the events manager, was terrific and gave me the knowledge and tools I needed to build the event to its full potential. A lot of the work was self-driven and independent, which I really enjoyed.”
To learn more about Penn College’s business administration degrees, call 570-327-4505.
For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.
Victoria A. Sosar, of Berwick, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration: sport and event management. As part of an internship this summer with Beale Manor, a special events venue in Chester County, Sosar was given the opportunity to plan and hold an event of her own.
“I came up with a bunch of ideas and stuck with the one that I would be most passionate about,” Sosar said. “Which just so happened to be one that had to do with animals.”
Sosar planned a unique “Sip & Drool Beer & Wine Festival” to benefit LaMancha Animal Rescue in Unionville.“I found an animal rescue that was privately funded and that could use the extra help, which was LaMancha Animal Rescue, and reached out to them asking if they would allow me to hold this specific event for them,” Sosar said. “They were thrilled about it and really wanted to be a part of it. I wanted to do something unique for them, something that the public can look at and know it’s not quite like other beer and wine festivals. It’s … so much more than just the typical winery or brewery visit.”
The family-friendly event included activities for both children and pets, as well as craft beer and wine vendors and a specialty distillery for those 21 or over. Sosar also lined up several food vendors, 20 craft and product vendors, a variety of raffle baskets, musical entertainment, and a special presentation by the Chester County K-9 Unit.
The event not only raised funds for LaMancha Animal Rescue but also promoted pet adoption.
“LaMancha brought adoptable dogs throughout the day as planned, and a lot of people were interested in them,” Sosar said. Four LaMancha dogs were adopted as a result of the event.
Sosar’s planning began well before her summer internship officially commenced in May. She sought vendors, a DJ and other entertainment. She also developed a logo and began a Facebook campaign months before the July 14 event.
During the spring semester, when she began formulating her plans, Sosar was enrolled in a Professional Event Planning course taught by Chef Frank M. Suchwala, associate professor of hospitality management/culinary arts. The course teaches students to manage successful events, beginning with comprehensive planning that encompasses resources, site specifications and audience accommodations.
“I am thankful that Chef Frank taught me so much in event planning class,” Sosar said. “It was the most useful class and applied to almost everything I did to plan this event.”
Penn College’s sport and event management major includes a core of business courses in marketing, accounting, human resources and management, which is fortified by education in travel and tourism; sports management and marketing; event planning, promotion and management; and more.
LaMancha rescues and finds homes for horses, dogs, cats, goats and the occasional exotic animal that requires more space or specialized knowledge than most SPCAs can offer.
Beale Manor, built in Parkesburg in 1813 as a private home, serves as a venue for weddings, receptions, parties and other special events.
“Working for Beale Manor was a very positive internship experience,” Sosar said. “Amy Mowrey, the events manager, was terrific and gave me the knowledge and tools I needed to build the event to its full potential. A lot of the work was self-driven and independent, which I really enjoyed.”
To learn more about Penn College’s business administration degrees, call 570-327-4505.
For information about Penn College, a national leader in applied technology education, email the Admissions Office or call toll-free 800-367-9222.