Along the Way: A month of fundraisers boosts Portage agencies
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April has become a month of fundraisers in the community, and here is a recap of some I was privileged to attend.
United Way of Portage County
This important charity celebrated a success for its annual fundraising drive with its April 18 reverse raffle at the Ravenna Elks. According to Heather Rainone, director of development and marketing, about 120 people attended, buying tickets priced at $100 each.
A grand prize of $2,000 was split among five finalists, with each one taking $400 home. Those splitting were Sue Cyncynatus (represented by her sister, Barbara Bolz, who for years ran the United Way campaign at Kent State University), George DeBord of the Mental Health and Recovery Board, Melissa Koher of Hometown Bank, Mary Schaefer of Davey Tree, and Julee Cariglio of Portage Community Bank. Koher, DeBord and Schaefer serve on the United Way’s Board of Directors. Cariglio volunteers on the United Way’s Impact Committee.
Barb Bolz donated her sister’s share back to the United Way. Proceeds of the 50/50 drawing were awarded to the Salvation Army for Windham Tornado Recovery. The 50/50 winner, Mags Courtney, a volunteer at the Center of Hope, gave her prize to the Salvation Army for a total of $670.
Thanks in part to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library that encourages reading at a young age, the United Way of Portage County has picked up steam and is on track to exceed its goal of raising $660,000 this year.
Kent State University Orchestra Society
“An Evening with the Orchestra” is sponsored by a “town-gown collaboration,” of community leaders and campus officials now in its 30th year. The event raises money for scholarships for aspiring student musicians. The orchestra performs at a $90-a-plate banquet in the Kent State Ballroom.
Attendees are invited to bid on an opportunity to conduct the orchestra. Jane Preston Rose will conduct next year after her winning bid of $4,500. Jane’s daughter, Sherry Rose, serving as auctioneer, then raised several thousand dollars more. People bid for a week’s use of a flat in London, England, donated by Jill and Barry Beer. It went for $3,500. Named scholarships were bid on, starting with $2,000, then $1,500, and $1,000 and so on down to $100.
President Todd Diacon, speaking to about 300 people in attendance, said the Ohio legislature focuses its funding for publicly supported higher education on the STEM subjects of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“That is okay as far as it goes, but students interested in the arts need help too,” Diacon said. “More than half the orchestra students benefit from scholarships.”
Conducted by Jacob Schnitzer, the orchestra performed beautifully, their repertoire including selections from Mozart’s “Magic Flute” and Mascagni’s “Cavalleria Rusticana,” the latter of which used by Martin Scorsese in his Academy Award-winning movie “Raging Bull.”
Schnitzer and the KSU Orchestra sent everyone home on an upbeat note performing the John Williams theme from “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”
Porterhouse Theater
The annual fundraiser, hosted at the beautiful home of Sherry and David Joy for the past 13 years, features students performing musical selections from the upcoming summer’s fare at Porthouse Theater on the grounds of Blossom Music Center.
Those attending are asked to sponsor a student either performing in or helping produce “Jesus Christ Superstar,” which will run June 14-29; “Nunsense,” from July 5-13; and “Annie,” from July 19-Aug. 4.
Diacon again spoke to those on hand about the need for arts funding.
Other April fundraisers
Main Street Ravenna’s “Art on Main”
Kent Rotary Club’s annual charity auction.
Portage Park District Foundation’s Environmental Awards dinner, featuring a silent charity auction.
Kent State University’s School of Fashion Design and Merchandising’s annual style show, which recognized businesses and industries sponsoring scholarships for the program.
David E. Dix is retired publisher of The Record-Courier.
This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Portage United Way, Kent State orchestra benefit from fundraisers
