The popular Celtic Classic Festival occurs annually in September.
The mission of the Celtic Cultural Alliance (CCA) is to promote and preserve the Celtic culture through education, workshops, musical presentations, and traditional competitions in athletics, piping, and dance.
What do you love most about your job/organization?
I enjoy being able to share information about one of the founding cultures in the area. CCA prides itself in being a community-based organization. The people who volunteer are the heart and soul of our success.
How does Moravian University support your mission?
When dates align, we appreciate the students who help us on Heritage Day, and there have been sororities that have taken advantage of our fundraising opportunities at the Celtic Classic.
How can Moravian University—and the greater community—be more involved with your organization?
Volunteer! Events like the Celtic Classic, Parade of Shamrocks, and others need volunteers. There are so many benefits to volunteering, such as networking, learning new skills, stress relief, meeting new people, developing a sense of purpose, and sharing your skills for the greater good.
What is the biggest challenge your organization faces?
Volunteers. The Celtic Classic needs 500 volunteers. At one time, we had more than we needed. Now we have to pay people to fill certain jobs, and this creates a large financial strain on a free event with no gate revenue. Attracting younger volunteers is a nationwide problem.
What do you hope for the future of your organization?
We would like the Celtic Cultural Alliance to continue to be a cultural resource for the community on the seven Celtic nations. —Jayne Ann M. Recker, executive director, Celtic Cultural Alliance