Pearl Twirl auctioneer and radio personality Damon Scott generates bidding action.
Photo by Kim Tyler Photography.
The milestone was significant and the support even greater at the Community Music School’s (CMS) 30th anniversary benefit gala that took place on April 20. Presented by Landscape Specialties, The Pearl Twirl: A Swellegant Affair turned out more than 150 celebrants while raising over $55,000 to support music scholarships, music therapy services and community outreach programs.
Community Music School instructor Joni Gage with Joe Bouchard of Blue Oyster Cult celebrating the school’s 30th anniversary at the Pearl Twirl benefit gala.
Photo by Joan Levy Hepburn.
Pearl Twirlers gathered on the lawn of the Lyme Art Association (LAA) to enjoy savory bites, fine wine, Swing era music performed by the school’s faculty, a silent auction and a live auction emceed by radio personality and local resident Damon Scott. Later, an Artful Patron Dinner was served inside the LAA galleries and featured a four-course dinner prepared by Owner/Chef Jonathan Rapp of the River Tavern restaurant with a wine selection from Angelini Wine carefully paired to compliment each course served.
From left to right, Dr. Katrina Wall, Sponsor Peter Wallace of Professional Planning Group, John Bauman and Community Music School Trustee Jennifer Bauman under the tent at the Pearl Twirl benefit gala. Photo by Kim Tyler Photography.
In addition to ticket sales and auction bids, funds were also raised through a special appeal to support scholarships for the new summer arts program being launched by the Community Music School in partnership with ‘The Kate’ in Old Saybrook. “CMS Sells Seashells by the Seashore for Scholarships” provided donors with an oyster shell that correlated to one of many fun premium gifts. Of note, was a commemorative tab belt featuring a CMS logo ribbon custom designed and donated by Leather Man Ltd.
A 1930’s style photo booth, where guests donned feather boas, hats and other props and received a photo strip as a keepsake, rounded out the evening’s activities .
From left to right, Community Music School Trustee Margaret Very, Student Services Coordinator Dawn Swope, and faculty members Adele Huffman and Shari Wilcox prepare to greet Pearl Twirl guests. Photo by Joan Levy Hepburn.
“We are thankful for the many friends and sponsors who joined us for this celebratory evening. Their extraordinary support provides a firm foundation for us to continue to expand our programs and community outreach so more people can benefit from the arts in their life,” said Robin Andreoli, executive director.
Community Music School Trustee and Event Chair Monique Heller takes a twirl with Trustee Emeritus Peter Bierrie at the Community Music School’s benefit gala.
Photo by Joan Levy Hepburn.
Event sponsors included Covenant Kitchens & Baths, Inc.; Essex Savings Bank; Essex Financial Services; Bogaert Construction Co., Inc.; Fusco Corporation; Gowrie Group; Grossman Chevrolet Nissan; Kitchings & Potter LLC; Tower Laboratories, LTD; AJ Shea Construction, LLC; Brewer Pilots Point Marina; Cigna; Clark Group; Dime Bank; Essex Marine Group; Guilford Savings Bank; Leonardo & Associates PC; Lewitz, Balosie, Wollack, Rayner & Giroux, LLC; Madison Veterinary Hospital; Periodontics PC; Professional Planning Group; Reynolds’ Garage & Marine; Ring’s End; and Saybrook Ford.
In-kind sponsors included Angelini Wine LTD; Coca Cola Bottling Company of Southeastern Connecticut; Joan Levy Hepburn; KimTyler Photography; and Leather Man LTD.
Since its inception in 1983, the school has grown from five instructors teaching 40 students to 30 instructors teaching over 500 students of all ages through private and group lessons, instrumental and voice ensembles, orchestras, music therapy, special events and summer programs.
Located on Main Street in Centerbrook, its geographic reach goes beyond the Connecticut shoreline with faculty and students from as far north as Hartford and west to New Haven.
For more information on CMS programs and special events, visit www.community-music-school.org or call (860) 767-0026.