Arts + Entertainment 12.2.21

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<CHAMPIONS DINNER: Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota celebrate their all-stars for children. 6 WHISKEY FOR WISHES: New nonprofit takes a sip of success with its first fundraiser. 8

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT DECEMBER 2, 2021

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STRONG WORDS A notable poet summons the healing power of creativity to turn community poems into works of art. PAGE 2

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

Exploring the oneness of art Embracing our Differences taps popular poet to transform community members’ words into art. And, hopefully, affect change along the way.

ABBY WEINGARTEN CONTRIBUTOR

F

Above: Cedric Hameed leads a poetry workshop as part of Oneness of Art. Right and far right: Kids at the Boys & Girls Club of Sarasota write their own poems around one of four themes.

umph.

Hameed will collect the poems written by the participants and disperse them among Ringling College of Art and Design students and local artists, who will then translate the poems into visual and performance art. The entire endeavor is being filmed by Nate Ilardi, who has worked for the U.S. Men’s Soccer Team and the Women’s National Basketball Association.

“We hold a uniqueness in this place and time, and inspiration can be garnered in so many different ways. When we look back on this time, we can look at the beauty we were able to grab in this moment,” Hameed says. “With the Oneness

of Art, we are being proactive with love — giving people a platform and a place to express themselves.”

During the winter 2022 season, the poems from Hameed’s workshops will be displayed and performed in various locations (such as museums, public spaces and partner organization facilities). The work will serve as the backdrop for public engagements that “foster healing and unite us around the possibilities for the future of our community,” according to organizers at Embracing Our Differences.

FROM FEELINGS TO CHANGE

In Hameed’s opinion, local, national and global change can be accom-

copenhagen im ports

or teaching artist and noted poet Cedric Hameed, inspiring people to connect through creative pursuits can be immeasurably cathartic — and nothing has made that fact more evident than the pandemic.

That is why Hameed has introduced the Oneness of Art this fall, a yearlong pilot program that is part of the annual Embracing Our Differences initiative.

Hameed is running several community-based poetry workshops with individuals from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties; Second Heart Homes and Easterseals Academy.

The pieces produced in these workshops will ultimately be incorporated into public art and exhibited locally.

The Oneness of Art is, in essence, an opportunity to connect, create and heal.

“Throughout the pandemic, I started seeing these themes screaming at me: self-image, self-esteem and fear. Ultimately, what everybody wants to feel right now is triumph — to be able to overcome the obstacles presented to us,” Hameed says. “When I was looking at the world we live in, I wanted to not just remember despair but also to remember the beauty of humanity — of people coming together to face issues together.”

Coming together is the overarching aim of these workshops. Hameed is collaborating with five- to 15-person groups at each organization once a week for 16 weeks. Each monthlong block of time will revolve around a different interpersonal theme: selfimage, self-esteem, fear and tri-

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Photos courtesy of Nate Ilardi

Above: Cedric Hameed believes creative outlets can help people of all ages overcome obstacles.

LEARN MORE

For more information about the Oneness of Art, call 941-4045710 or visit EmbracingOurDifferences.org/oneness.

plished through expression. And the team at Embracing Our Differences is thrilled to work toward this goal alongside him. It has already been an ongoing collaboration.

“We started working with Cedric about seven years ago. He has trained our staff and helped with professional development workshops for our creative writers, and he has inspired everyone in the room,” says Sarah Wertheimer, the executive director of Embracing Our Differences.

“Teachers and students have said that he has this magical way about him, where he can help you pull out your deepest thoughts and emotions and express them in a way that you never imagined was possible.”

The way Hameed does this will also be fully captured on film.

“We’re really looking forward to seeing the end results of this,” Wertheimer says. “That’s why having it documented on film is so special

because we’ll be able to capture the experience of the participants.”

The Oneness of Art truly builds on the spirit of Embracing Our Differences as a whole. It is a nonprofit organization “that uses the transformational power of art and education

to celebrate and promote the diversity of the human family,” according to its mission statement.

Since 2004, Embracing Our Difference has accomplished its mission through its yearlong, largescale, outdoor juried art exhibition

at Sarasota’s Bayfront Park, along with a comprehensive series of educational initiatives, programs and resources designed for teachers and students.

More than 477,000 students have participated in Embracing Our

Differences programs, including 41,585 students during the 20202021 school year alone. For the 2021 exhibit, there were 15,912 submissions from 48 states, 412 schools and 128 countries (and more than 384,000 people visited the exhibit).

This coming year, as people begin to gather more than they did at the height of the pandemic, the program will carry its own special significance.

“Because of the pandemic, I think we’ve all experienced so much more isolation, sadness and challenging times. We’ve been in situations that felt very fearful. Through this program, participants are able to express what we’ve gone through instead of just keeping it bottled it up — to realize we’re not as alone as we’ve felt this past year,” Wertheimer says.

“Through this, hopefully many others will feel that they’re able to reconnect and focus not only on themselves and their self-confidence but also relate to those around them.”

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

THIS WEEK JAZZ AT TWO: SYNIA CARROLL QUARTET 2 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota, 3975 Fruitville Road $10-$20 Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.

the love, light and togetherness of the season through a variety of holiday songs. A second performance is 7 p.m. Friday.

OUR PICK

‘HOLIDAY LIGHTS’ Guest conductor William Waldrop will make sure there are no Scrooges in the house by the time they leave this Sarasota Orchestra concert. This “Great Escapes” performance features everything from “White Christmas” and “Winter Wonderland” to “The European Anthem (Ode to Joy)” and “Christmas at the Movies.”

Runs through Sunday.

SCD + DUKE ELLINGTON WITH SHANE CHALKE B.E. JAZZ 7 p.m. at Jane B. Cook Theatre, FSU Center for the Performing Arts, 5555 N. Tamiami Trail $10-$45 Visit SarasotaContemporaryDance. org.

THURSDAY DARRYL LENOX 7 p.m. at McCurdy’s Comedy, 1923 Ringling Blvd. $25 Visit McCurdysComedy.com.

From Conan O’Brien to Comedy Central, Darryl Lenox is a mainstay of the stand-up comedy circuit.

His special, “Darryl Lenox: Blind Ambition,” was the first hour-long stand-up special to appear on Starz Network. Runs through Sunday.

‘WINTER WONDERLAND!’ 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 2050 Oak St. $17; students $7 Visit BookerVPA.com.

The Booker High School Visual and Performing Arts program presents

See the future choreographers of contemporary dance as their careers blossom with Sarasota Contemporary Dance’s 16th season.

The production presents the band Shane Chalke B.E. playing the music of Duke Ellington live alongside SCD dancers performing choreography inspired by the legendary composer.

Runs through Sunday.

‘CINDERELLA’ 7:30 p.m. at Manatee Performing Arts Center, 502 Third Ave. W., Bradenton $30-$38 Visit ManateePerformingArtsCenter. com.

Everyone knows the basics, but in case you’ve been living under a fallen pumpkin carriage for the past few decades, the Manatee Performing

IF YOU GO When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: Holley Hall, 709 N. Tamiami Trail Tickets: $42-$65 Info: Visit SarasotaOrchestra. org.

Arts Center will tell Rodgers + Hammerstein’s musical rendition of the peasant girl and orphan Cinderella on the fateful night she defies her two dreadful stepsisters and an even more terrible stepmother, resulting in — what else? — finding her Prince Charming. Runs through Dec. 12

The Pops Orchestra Presents

‘BELIEVE!’ 7:30 p.m. at SCF Neel Performing Arts Center, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton $15 Visit SCFMusic.info.

Get into the holiday spirit at the State College of Florida music program’s evening of holiday revelry.

Performing ensembles include SCF’s Bradenton Symphony Orchestra, Concert Choir, Chamber Choir and Guitar Ensemble.

FRIDAY SIESTA BEACH SEAFOOD AND MUSIC FESTIVAL Noon to 9 p.m. at Siesta Key Pavilion, 948 Beach Road Free Call 487-8061.

Enjoy local seafood prepared fresh on-site using local and sustainable resources from gulf waters by local restaurants and other establishments. This year’s performers include Kettle of Fish, Selwyn Birchwood and Gas House Gorilla on Friday; Jeremy Thomas, Shaw Davis & The Black Ties, Twinkle & Rock Soul Radio, Have Gun Will Travel and Damon Fowler Band on Saturday; and The Whole Band, Billy Rice Band and Soul Circus Cowboys on Sunday.

Jazz Club of Sarasota presents Synia Carroll for the next installment of its weekly afternoon concert series.

Carroll performed a lot of folk, rock and soca music before relocating to Sarasota to pursue a career in jazz.

She will be joined by Billy Marcus, Don Mopsick and Stephen Bucholtz.

BRADENTON BLUES FEST 4-8 p.m. at LECOM Park, 1611 Ninth St. W., Bradenton $20-$30 Visit BradentonBluesFestival.org. some of the hottest blues acts ​​ Catch around at the 10th anniversary of the Bradenton Blues Fest. The Friday lineup includes Cece Teneal and Soul Kamotio, Johnny Rawls, and Doug MacLeod. Proceeds from the festival support the nonprofit Realize Bradenton. Runs through Sunday.

‘CONNECTIONS’ 5 p.m. at Hermitage Artist Retreat Beach, 6660 Manasota Key Road, Englewood $5 Visit HermitageArtistRetreat.org.

There are few more peaceful places for songs and readings than the Gulf of Mexico as the sky fades to a painting of pink and orange. So pull up a beach chair or blanket, and listen to Lisa E. Harris, a trained classical voice and opera singer, share songs and short stories. Awardwinning playwright James Anthony Tyler will read from his play “Hop thA A.” A discussion on connecting with the world around us will follow.

The event is also available to view simultaneously online.

941-306-1202 ArtistSeriesConcerts.org

Stars on the Rise Building on our Legacy

The Pops Orchestra is teaming up with Sarasota’s premiere handbell ensemble, Ring Sarasota, for our annual holiday extravaganza. Let us RING in your holiday with our 65-piece orchestra and over 200 bells rung by 17 ringers performing many of your holiday favorites.

A CLASSIC CHRISTMAS with FRISSON A concert the whole family will enjoy!

December 5, 7:00 pm • Sarasota Opera House

Get Your Tickets Today!

Sun, Dec 12, 3pm

Riverview Performing Arts Center

Mon, Dec 13, 7:30pm

This eleven-member ensemble puts fresh, virtuosic spins on such classical and classic holiday favorites as Winter from Vivaldi’s Four Seasons, selections from Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite and Handel’s Messiah, Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 4, traditional carols including Hark! the Herald Angels Sing and O Come All Ye Faithful, and more.

SCF Neel Performing Arts Center

www.ThePopsOrchestra.org 941-926-POPS (7677)

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“A night of musical perfection.” – The Royal Gazette This project is sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Arts and Culture and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture (Section 286.25, Florida Statutes).

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Can you get too much of a good thing? Not this good thing. The first Friday of every month, Lakewood Ranch throws a block party with food vendors, beer trucks, kids activities and music. This month, it’s Midnight Mama, whose music is R&B and soul with a dash of disco.

Proceeds will benefit the Lakewood Ranch Community Fund.

PALM AVENUE FIRST FRIDAY 6-9 p.m. at various galleries on Palm Avenue in downtown Sarasota Free Visit PalmAve.com The first Friday of every month, art lovers take to the street (Palm Avenue, that is) and enjoy gallery openings, dining, live performances and more as members of the Palm Avenue Arts Alliance entertain residents and tourists with original artwork.

‘THE SPONGEBOB MUSICAL’ 7 p.m. at The Bazaar on Apricot and Lime, 821 Apricot Ave. $15-$25 Visit DingbatTheatre.org.

Down in Bikini Bottom, SpongeBob SquarePants is living his best, quirky life. But when the town learns a nearby volcano, aptly named Mount Humongous, is about to erupt, they quickly lose all hope. It’s up to the ever-optimistic SpongeBob to save the day — and proving he’s more than a simple sponge is just a bonus, of course. Dingbat Theatre’s production runs through Dec. 19.

SATURDAY ‘A WINTER WONDERLAND’ 7 p.m. at SCF Neel Performing Arts Center, 5840 26th St. W., Bradenton Free Visit ManateeConcertBand.org.

Sit back, relax and tap your toes as the Manatee Community Concert Band plays many of your favorite seasonal tunes at its holiday concert, with Music Director Lynn Cleary and featuring soprano Doreen Curp.

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brooms and dustbins to matchboxes and hubcaps — as instruments. The musical troupe has toured the world since its 1991 founding and won an Oliver award before opening on Off-Broadway in 1994 and West End in 2002.

A CLASSIC CHRISTMAS WITH FRISSON 7 p.m. at Sarasota Opera House, 61 N. Pineapple Ave. $20-$55 Visit ArtistSeriesConcerts.org.

We may not get a “White Christmas” in Florida, but Artist Series Concerts of Sarasota is bringing us Tchaikovsky’s “Nutcracker Suite” that can be enjoyed while donning sandals, so what more could you want? Frisson, an eight-piece ensemble known for its ​hypnotic​and exhilarating sound, will perform several holiday classics including Arcangelo Corelli’s “Christmas Concerto,” “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful.”

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MUSIC ON MAIN 6-9 p.m. on Lakewood Ranch Main Street, 8100 Lakewood Main St. Free Visit LakewoodRanch.com.

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

MONDAY MONDAY NIGHT JAZZ AT THE CABARET WITH LISTON GREGORY III 7:30 p.m. at FST’s John C. Court Cabaret $35-$39 Visit JazzClubSarasota.org.

The Jazz Club of Sarasota’s Monday Night Jazz Cabaret continues with Liston Gregory III. Gregory is a pianist known for his gospel approach to jazz. He will be joined by Ulysses Owens Jr. on percussion and Jose Villalpando on bass. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for dinner and drinks.

TUESDAY ‘SOUNDS OF THE SEASON’ 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. at Church of the Redeemer, 222 S. Palm Ave. $25 Visit ChamberOrchestraSarasota. org.

The Chamber Orchestra of Sarasota celebrates its annual holiday concert with classical music — including Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 — and seasonal favorites, featuring Carmen Bannon, Sam Nelson and Sun-Young Gemma Shin.

WEDNESDAY ‘A SERAPHIC FIRE CHRISTMAS’ 7 p.m. at St. Boniface Episcopal Church, 5615 Midnight Pass Road $65 Visit BonifaceChurch.org.

MARTINA MCBRIDE: ‘THE JOY OF CHRISTMAS’ 8 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail $37-$107 Visit VanWezel.org.

Since her hit debut single “The Time Has Come” in 1992, Martina McBride has sold more than 23 million albums. The Grammy-nominated country singer is known for her country-pop music and her soprano singing range. Her tour of her 2018 album, “It’s the Holiday Season,” features holiday favorites from “Santa Claus Is Coming to Town” to “My Favorite Things.”

SUNDAY ‘DECEMBER MELODIES’ 3 p.m. at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 3131 61st St. $5 Visit SuncoastConcertBand.org.

In need of something relaxing to do on a Sunday afternoon? (No, naps don’t count.) Check out Suncoast Concert Band, a local performance group featuring retired professional musicians and band directors alongside engineers, teachers and performers from various other professions and all walks of life united by their love of concert music.

STOMP 3 p.m. at Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail $37-$72 Visit VanWezel.org.

Stomp is a group of percussionists who use everyday objects — from

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The Miami-based, Grammy-nominated vocal ensemble returns with traditional carols, contemporary arrangements and transcendent Gregorian chant to Sarasota for its annual candlelit Christmas performance. Featured songs include “Silent Night” and “Jesus Christ the Apple Tree.”

‘THE MARVELOUS WONDERETTES’ 7:30 p.m. at Studio 1130, 3501 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 1130 $29.50; preview $26.50; students $14 Visit ThePlayers.org.

Roger Bean’s “The Marvelous Wonderettes” takes a loving look at the girl groups of the 1950s and ’60s.

The story follows a quartet of high schoolers singing at prom as a lastminute replacement for the previously scheduled boy band. Their performance was a hit, but they never make it big. When they do a reprise performance at their 10-year reunion, everyone remembers the stars that should have been. Enjoy classics like “It’s My Party,” “Mr. Sandman,” “Respect” and “You Don’t Own Me.” Runs through Dec. 19.

‘AMERICA IN ONE ROOM’ 8 p.m. at FST’s Keating Theatre, 1241 N. Palm Ave. From $36 Visit FloridaStudioTheatre.org.

What does it mean to be American?

The answer will vary with every person you ask, and when eight strangers are invited to a convention and put in a room together, they have no choice but to address it. They find their personalities are as diverse as their beliefs as they debate topics from racism and homophobia to immigration and health care. Based on a real America in One Room convention held in 2019 for 500 diverse Americans to have open and respectful discussions, the play opens its world premiere at Florida Studio Theatre. Runs through Feb. 27, 2022.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

Left: Honorees Steven and Marjolaine Townsend Below: Jane Conner and President and CEO Bill Sadlo Right: Lee DiLieto, Nancy Arbuckle and Doug DeLieto

Champions for Children Saturday, Nov. 20, at Lee Wetherington Club| Benefiting Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties

S

Photos by Harry Sayer

Above: More than 400 people attended the event.

Right: David Curran and Nikki Logan Curran

teven and Marjolaine Townsend have long supported the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sarasota and DeSoto Counties. Their biggest contribution has been a scholarship fund in their name that covers two years of tuition for students that was established in 2018.

“We do (these things) because it’s the right thing to do,” Steven Townsend said. “When (Marjolaine and I) went to school, we were the first in our families. It was a struggle for us to do it.”

The couple were honored at the organization’s Champions for Children event at the Lee Wetherington Club on Nov. 20.

More than 400 attendees were

welcomed to the club space, where they spent the reception hour mingling over drinks in the outdoor pool area. When enough people had arrived, they were let into the gym space transformed into a ballroom where they sat for the program to start.

Board Chair Meghan Serrano welcomed the audience to the event as they enjoyed food prepared by Chef Paul Mattison and staff. President and CEO Bill Sadlo spoke to his organization’s activities during the pandemic and then was followed by club members who played violin for the crowd.

The night also raised money with a live auction and paddle raise.

— HARRY SAYER

A Meal Makes A Difference.

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• Feed one person for a week: $36 • Feed one person for a month: $180 • Feed one person for a year: $2,050

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By Phone 941.366.6693

THANKS TO SUBARU OF AMERICA FOR SHARING THE LOVE WITH HOMEBOUND SENIORS!

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Through the Subaru Share the Love® Event, from November 18, 2021 to January 3, 2022, Subaru of America dontates $250 for every new Subaru vehicle purchased or leased to the customer’s choice of the four national charities, including Meals on Wheels, with a minimum guarantee of $250,000 nationwide.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

The HERA Odyssey

A mythical, mystical tale of a woman’s eternal love, truth and beauty.

Written and Choreographed by Suzanne Caesar

Join Benefactors & Investors for a Sarasota premier showcase, philanthropic cocktail party and auction.

Sponsored as a 501(c)(3) by Fractured Atlas.

December 9th | Hyatt Regency Sarasota | 5:30-7:30pm Featured Dance Excerpts from ACT I @6:30pm With guest performance by Men Of Vision

Father, Son and House of Gucci

Clambake Cash

Food-focused fundraising events are having a resurgence in this postpandemic philanthropy season. The New College Foundation recently hosted its 42nd Annual Clambake event for supporters on Nov. 4 benefiting scholarships for the school’s many students.

The foundation’s signature event

Ticket includes complimentary drink and hors d’oeuvres

@theheraodyssey www.SuzanneCaeser.com 367804-1

It’s been a packed movie year — no doubt making up for a past year of canceled or delayed releases— and one movie that’s been slowly drawing attention is “House of Gucci,” a near three-hour drama detailing the soap operatics of the Gucci fashion dynasty.

Sarasota’s philanthropy scene is (obviously) no stranger to Gucci, and the brand is one of the proverbial 500-pound gorillas in the room. Gucci fanatics Renee Phinney, Kimberly Marlow and Assunta Swier were in particular excited for the movie, so the trio decided to celebrate the opening in style.

The gang reserved a theater at CMX CinéBistro Siesta Key and invited 50 friends and fellow fashion enthusiasts wearing their finest Gucci attire to the premiere on Nov. 26.

The event was catered by CineBistro and had a red carpet-style pre-party where guests arrived and mingled before sitting down for the film. The movie was followed by an afterparty at the theater with music from SRQBeats.

It seemed like a fun time, and it’s probably a better choice than hosting a watch party for Ridley Scott’s other 2021 release “The Last Duel”.

sponsored by

Theater... Music... Visual Art... Literature... where it all begins.

Photo courtesy of Cliff Roles

Renee Phinney and Kimberly Marlow at the “House of Gucci” premiere.

had nearly 400 people in attendance eating New England seafood, and it seems that those numbers paid off.

The 2021 event raised more than $530,000 by night’s end — the largest amount the event has ever raised in its 42 years of existence.

“Despite the pandemic’s challenges, we marked the most successful fundraising year in our history,” said co-chairman Jack Schlegel at the clambake.

The entirety of the funds are given to student scholarships each year.

The foundation provides $2 million in scholarships annually.

The Hermitage brings the world’s leading artists to Sarasota for free public programs...

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2021

Photos by Harry Sayer

Whiskey for Wishes Saturday, Nov. 27, at Waterworks | Benefiting Donors of Distinction

Above: Guests had the chance to taste whiskey upstairs.

Right: Co-chairwomen Rebekah Peranio and Vanessa Poole

Above: Katie Petrovich and President Jane Thompson Below: Mayor Erik Arroyo and Victoria Arroyo

T

he Donors of Distinction nonprofit hosted a lively Whiskey for Wishes fundraising event at Waterworks on Nov. 27.

The newly christened Donors of Distinction — formerly the Designing Daughters nonprofit operating as a subsidiary under the Community Foundation of Sarasota County — recently established itself as its own entity and has had staff excited to host their own event.

“We were always under someone else’s umbrella,” Co-chairwoman Rebekah Peranio said. “Not having a fundraising year gave us the opportunity to start our own 501c3 and rebrand so we don’t have to be a subsidiary.”

Attendees mingled over light bites and drinks while others tasted a number of high-end whiskeys in a private area upstairs. Through ticket sales and its ongoing online auction, Donors of Distinction raised $20,000, which it will later distribute via grants to the community.

— HARRY SAYER Carrie Dennison, Heather Hawley, Jennifer Smith, Jaime Loomis, Carolyn Eckert, Kelly Paige and America Jones

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