The Lower Connecticut L.C.V.E.R.A. Hadlyme, Ct. 06439
Valley
Educational
Riding Association,
Nonprofit,
tax exempt organization
Vol, 5
SUMMER Symphony in Meadows Fundraieer "Memorable and Magic" by Richard Lightfoot "The best party in years." The warmest, friendliest big party 11 ever." A memorable, magic evening." These were comments expressed in letters to Benefit Chairman Grace Hamilton following June 27th 1 s go.la Symphony in the Meadows benefit for LCVERA. Nearly 700 people attended the cocktail party, silent auction, picnic and symphony orchestra concert at the Hamilton's Twelve Mile Island Farm in Hadlyme. Al presstime accounting is not complete, but LCVERA Treasurer Stanley Babson believes the net proceeds are the largest in LCVERA's fundraiaing history.
LCVERA President Judy Lightfoot said, "The funds will allow us to reduce the waiting list for LCVERA services by fifteen or twenty people. If a wonderful event like Symphony in the Meadows can do that, let'a have the party every year. 11 Planning for the event began in March 1985 and involved the efforts of more than 150 volunteers. LCVERA Executive Director Judy Lovelace commented on how wonderful it wae lo extend the LCVERA family lo include for fundraising purposes the volunteer work of so many people with no previous involvement with LCVERA. As Benefit Chairman, Grace Hamilton was assisted by a commillee of 63 persons responsible for everything from balloons, invitations, auction, food and graphics to cannons for the 1812 Overture, soda for the musicians, parking and porta-pottiea. Honorary Chairman of Symphony in the Meadows was Mrs. George Bush, wife of the Vice President. Honorary sponsors were Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Chairman of Special Olympics; our own Sis Gould, founder of LCVERA; and Speed Davis, President of North American Riding
Inc.
No,l
for the Handicapped Association. Special benefactors were Connecticut National Bank whose generosity underwrote much of the production coals. Additional benefactors were Boline Really of Lyme; Connecticut Valley Realty, Inc.; The Dunham Company, Realtors; A. G. Edwards and Sona, Essex; Marsh Motors (Mercedes and BMW dealers) of Hamden; and Samuel M. Strong, Inc., Realtor. Hors d'oeuvres were contributed by 22 restaurants and grocery stores. Drinks and wine were selected by Colonial Wine Cellars of Old Lyme. Picnics were furnished by La Cuisine of Guilford. Music was supplied by 65 New Haven Symphony Orchestra musicians led by music director Murray Sidlin. Pieces performed were excerpts from "Man of Lo Mancha" which was written at Twelve Mile Ielnnd Farm; compositions celebrating the outdoors and rivers by Copland, Handle and Smetana; Strauss waltzes; and the grand finale, Tchaikovsky's renowned 1812 Overture, aided by 13 stunning cannoneers. A highlight of the evening was a silent auction which yielded nearly $20,000. Among the items offered were use of houses in Ireland, the Bahamas, Nantucket, Block Island and Manhal tan; use of golf courses in Stonington and Fishers Island, and an inflatable boat with outboard motor. During concert intermission the Benefit Commillee presented Grace and Frank Hamilton a Chet Reneson print of a Bahamian scene in appreciation of Grace's leadership and their generous contribution of Twelve Mile Island Farm as home for Symphony in the Meadows. Asked jf she would chair the event next year, Grace replied, "IL is hard to say no when you see how much good results from everybody's efforts. Yet it would be nice lo share the responsibilities with a co-chairman. And, yes, Frank and I would be glad to have the affair al our house again."