SPAN Fundraiser Promises A Family Affair

A great family. A thriving business. Health.

Vince Caropreso had it all, until he didn’t.

Once on top of the world, Caropreso and his business partner split when the market crashed, and at home he was suddenly raising his children alone, all in just three months. There were weeks when he didn’t know how he was going to provide for his young family. He humbly turned to SPAN Inc. in Severna Park.

“I would bring bags of groceries home and my kids thought I had been shopping,” said the then single parent of his visits to SPAN.

He vowed to himself and to SPAN that when he could, he would give back to the organization that supported him and his family at the lowest time in his life. This October, he will continue to keep his promise.

On Saturday, October 1, Team Caropreso at Keller Williams Flagship of Maryland will host its annual community fundraiser and fall festival to raise money to support and raise awareness for SPAN.

“Every year, our event has gotten bigger and better,” Melinda Caropreso said. “This year, we are excited to be at Kurtz’s Beach in Pasadena.”

Caropreso wanted an extravaganza after smaller events during the pandemic. He approached Kurtz’s Beach and found a familiar face — John Mason, owner of Kurtz’s Beach, whom he did work for years ago.

“I really respect who he is, what he’s overcome and what he’s accomplished,” said Mason, speaking of Caropreso. “He has taken a service-focused stance and I am very proud of him.”

This year’s event promises to be fun for everyone. Live music will be provided by Red Betty and The Ruckus. Attendees will find a moon bounce, face painting, picnic-style foods, beer and wine, raffles, 50/50, a money wheel, and Caropreso’s now famous “stuff the moving truck” and more.

Participants are encouraged to bring nonperishable food, personal hygiene items, cleaning supplies, and diapers to fill the company’s moving truck, which will be parked at Kurtz’s. Cash and gift cards will also be accepted.

“Vincent and Melinda have been supporters for many years, and we were really excited to learn about the fundraiser to be held at Kurtz’s Beach,” said Michele Sabean, SPAN’s director of development.

The community fundraiser and fall festival will be held October 1 from noon to 4:00pm at Kurtz’s Beach, located at 2070 Kurtz Avenue in Pasadena. Tickets are limited and can be purchased on Eventbrite by searching for “2022 Annual Team Caropreso Community Fundraiser & Fall Festival.”

“Our business is 89 years old; we’ve been very blessed,” Mason said. “We are here to serve and to help one another, especially when supporting someone who is helping others. We feel privileged to participate.”

Organizations, companies and neighborhoods interested in supporting SPAN through a fundraising or collection effort are invited to contact Sabean at 410-647-0889 to discuss needs, dates and options.

In 2021, SPAN helped 691 families, including more than 2,000 people with nearly $200,000 in financial and food disbursements.

To learn more about SPAN, to donate, to volunteer, and to read the latest Amazon wish lists, visit www.spanhelps.org.