A Kitchen Remodel Story: One Tale of Community Love in Memory of Christian McNaughton
Gather around, folks! Swartz Kitchens & Baths has a heartwarming tale to share—one that blows in with a gust of community spirit and rains down the magic of coming together to create something wonderful….
Once upon a time, in the charming township of Susquehanna, an extraordinary young boy named Christian McNaughton left us too soon. His memory, though, continues to shine like the brightest star in the night sky. Guided by his spirit of friendship and kindness, Christian’s family and friends came together to ensure his memory lived on.
In the year 2000, the McNaughton family established the Christian Matthew McNaughton Endowment Fund. This fund paved the way for hosting a magical annual fundraising gala for St. Catherine Laboure Catholic School, the school Christian attended as a preschooler.
This enchanting event became the school’s premier fundraiser, drawing guests from far and wide across Central Pennsylvania. Through the years, proceeds from the event were used to make improvements from playgrounds to computer labs to new carpeting. Also providing tuition assistance to those in need, the gala became a beacon of hope, lifting the school, its students, and their families to new heights.
Photo credit: Mike Mihalo Photography
Twenty-three years later, at the 2023 Friends of St. Catherine Gala, a fairytale moment unfolded. The spotlight fell on our very own local meteorologist, Daniel Tomaso, at ABC27.com in Harrisburg, PA. Expecting a new baby, the Tomaso family wished for a kitchen refresh before embarking on their new adventures as a growing family. Our all-weather hero, Dan, managed to steer the auction’s bidding winds in his favor, securing a kitchen remodel by Swartz Kitchens & Baths. This year, the proceeds from the auction funded the construction of a brand-new gymnasium.
Enter the wizard behind the remodel — Rick Light. With a career spanning more than three decades at Swartz Kitchens & Baths, Rick has worked in partnership with McNaughton Homes for decades. He conjured a vision that would make the Tomaso family’s dreams come true. Despite busy schedules, all the trades people donating material, time, labor, and epic skills to this project rallied together, moving lightning fast to transform the kitchen in record time. This included: Arko Flooring, Zach Umlauf of McNaughton Homes, Central Penn Plumbing Service, Inc., Lindsay Bros. Carpentry LLC, Classic Rock Fabrication, Scott Lenker of Lenker Plumbing, and trim subcontractor Brian Lindsay, who installed the cabinets and baseboards.
Like any tale of a great kitchen remodel, every detail mattered. The Montana cabinets from Woodmont Cabinetry create the perfect backdrop where vibrant meals and family gatherings can unfold. Woodmont’s Antique finish on the Montana doors adds just the right balance of crispness and warmth, like a sunny fall day. Accented with hardware from Richelieu and Amerock, the Tomaso family is ready to turn the page to the next chapter where family meals will be prepared, laughter will be shared, and memories will be made.
In the kingdom of giving, it takes an entire village, donating auction items, time, energy, and love to benefit St. Catherine Laboure School. Christian’s dad, Mark McNaughton Sr., expressed his thanks on behalf of the entire family: “We send our heartfelt thanks to every person in this community that generously opened their hearts and wallets to help children like Christian thrive in the place he cherished most. And we look forward to seeing you February 10, 2024, at our next Friends of St. Catherine’s Gala.”
At the reveal of their new kitchen, the Tomaso family felt a deep sense of gratitude. This isn’t just a kitchen; it is a symbol of the love shared by neighbors, friends, and even strangers who care enough to make a difference in the lives of others.
Photo credit: Mike Mihalo Photography
Forever etched in the hearts of the community, Christian McNaughton’s memory will live on in the gymnasium built from the gala’s proceeds, a structure where countless dreams will take flight, guided by at least one special shining star above.
As we draw the curtain on this heartwarming tale, let us remember that in every raindrop of kindness and gust of love, we create something magical—a world where the legacy of Christian McNaughton forever shines brightly, illuminating the hearts of those he touched, and the lives he continues to enrich.
And as for the Dan Tomaso and his family? We’re quite sure they will live happily – and meteorologically – ever after in their brand-new kitchen. 🌦️❤️
A Kitchen Remodel Story: One Tale of Community Love in Memory of Christian McNaughton
Gather around, folks! Swartz Kitchens & Baths has a heartwarming tale to share—one that blows in with a gust of community spirit and rains down the magic of coming together to create something wonderful….
Once upon a time, in the charming township of Susquehanna, an extraordinary young boy named Christian McNaughton left us too soon. His memory, though, continues to shine like the brightest star in the night sky. Guided by his spirit of friendship and kindness, Christian’s family and friends came together to ensure his memory lived on.
In the year 2000, the McNaughton family established the Christian Matthew McNaughton Endowment Fund. This fund paved the way for hosting a magical annual fundraising gala for St. Catherine Laboure Catholic School, the school Christian attended as a preschooler.
This enchanting event became the school’s premier fundraiser, drawing guests from far and wide across Central Pennsylvania. Through the years, proceeds from the event were used to make improvements from playgrounds to computer labs to new carpeting. Also providing tuition assistance to those in need, the gala became a beacon of hope, lifting the school, its students, and their families to new heights.
Photo credit: Mike Mihalo Photography
Twenty-three years later, at the 2023 Friends of St. Catherine Gala, a fairytale moment unfolded. The spotlight fell on our very own local meteorologist, Daniel Tomaso, at ABC27.com in Harrisburg, PA. Expecting a new baby, the Tomaso family wished for a kitchen refresh before embarking on their new adventures as a growing family. Our all-weather hero, Dan, managed to steer the auction’s bidding winds in his favor, securing a kitchen remodel by Swartz Kitchens & Baths. This year, the proceeds from the auction funded the construction of a brand-new gymnasium.
Enter the wizard behind the remodel — Rick Light. With a career spanning more than three decades at Swartz Kitchens & Baths, Rick has worked in partnership with McNaughton Homes for decades. He conjured a vision that would make the Tomaso family’s dreams come true. Despite busy schedules, all the trades people donating material, time, labor, and epic skills to this project rallied together, moving lightning fast to transform the kitchen in record time. This included: Arko Flooring, Zach Umlauf of McNaughton Homes, Central Penn Plumbing Service, Inc., Lindsay Bros. Carpentry LLC, Classic Rock Fabrication, Scott Lenker of Lenker Plumbing, and trim subcontractor Brian Lindsay, who installed the cabinets and baseboards.
Like any tale of a great kitchen remodel, every detail mattered. The Montana cabinets from Woodmont Cabinetry create the perfect backdrop where vibrant meals and family gatherings can unfold. Woodmont’s Antique finish on the Montana doors adds just the right balance of crispness and warmth, like a sunny fall day. Accented with hardware from Richelieu and Amerock, the Tomaso family is ready to turn the page to the next chapter where family meals will be prepared, laughter will be shared, and memories will be made.
In the kingdom of giving, it takes an entire village, donating auction items, time, energy, and love to benefit St. Catherine Laboure School. Christian’s dad, Mark McNaughton Sr., expressed his thanks on behalf of the entire family: “We send our heartfelt thanks to every person in this community that generously opened their hearts and wallets to help children like Christian thrive in the place he cherished most. And we look forward to seeing you February 10, 2024, at our next Friends of St. Catherine’s Gala.”
At the reveal of their new kitchen, the Tomaso family felt a deep sense of gratitude. This isn’t just a kitchen; it is a symbol of the love shared by neighbors, friends, and even strangers who care enough to make a difference in the lives of others.
Photo credit: Mike Mihalo Photography
Forever etched in the hearts of the community, Christian McNaughton’s memory will live on in the gymnasium built from the gala’s proceeds, a structure where countless dreams will take flight, guided by at least one special shining star above.
As we draw the curtain on this heartwarming tale, let us remember that in every raindrop of kindness and gust of love, we create something magical—a world where the legacy of Christian McNaughton forever shines brightly, illuminating the hearts of those he touched, and the lives he continues to enrich.
And as for the Dan Tomaso and his family? We’re quite sure they will live happily – and meteorologically – ever after in their brand-new kitchen. 🌦️❤️