CENTREVILLE — Symphony Village residents, guests, event sponsors, along with several Queen Anne County school principals and teachers joined in a gala event Saturday, Nov. 4, at the Symphony Village clubhouse. Nearly 200 people arrived hungry and eager to view and bid on donated gifts and gift certificates donated by individuals and local businesses. Prizes with values up to $400 tempted attendees to open their wallets for the tax deductible 501c3 organization, Symphony Sneakers of Centreville.
More than 40 volunteers were busy preparing for many months obtaining gift items for bid, contacting local businesses for donations, organizing, working on displays, signage, set-up, cooking and baking.
It was another very successful fundraiser thanks to the many dedicated volunteers, generous donations, and financial contributions, said Linda Farrar, president of Symphony Sneakers. “Net profit exceeded $15,000. This is truly amazing. The generosity of our community is exceptional.”
The appetizer selection was delicious, creative and abundant, she said. It provided something for everyone. Wine, beer and soda flowed; smiles burst. As the challenge began, keen eyes watched over bid sheets and fingers crossed for luck in four raffle categories: 50/50, 22 restaurants choices, assorted ‘wines of the world’ basket, and ceramic decorative plate. Upbeat talk and laughter was periodically interrupted when brief announcements declared winners.
Residents of the Symphony Village neighborhood established a nonprofit to aid public school children and their families in and around the town of Centreville. Based on need, it is now working in cooperation with all of the public schools in Centreville, Church Hill and Sudlersville to help children and school needs as identified by guidance counselors and principals. In the past several years the charity has purchased school supplies, clothing, helped fund field trips, outdoor education programs for families with limited resources, assisted with a Reading Rewards program, awarded scholarships to graduating Queen Anne County seniors, and contributed to free book programs of over 3,500 books last year alone.
Symphony Sneakers of Centreville’s goal is to help children get off to a positive start for the new school year, assist when seasons change and holidays arrive, and to make sure that no child falls between the cracks. The charity is also very interested in keeping reading for pleasure a high priority for students.
