UNITED WAY PLANS ANNUAL FUNDRAISER; ADDS NEW FUN TO THE MIX!
This year the annual banquet/fundraiser for the United Way of Queen Anne’s County is kicking things up a notch! Blooms, Bottles and a Band is set for Saturday, April 12th from 6-9pm at Prospect Bay Country Club in Grasonville. This is still Queen Anne’s County’s most beautiful event, but now it’s a party!
“Everyone is ready to celebrate Spring this year and the Blooms theme is still in full force” explains Executive Director Sandra Early. The Country Club will be blanketed with “beautiful blooms” thanks to the generosity of Blooms Sponsor Gary Mangum of Bell Nurseries. All of the plants and blooms can be had through the silent auction, along with many other items generously donated by United Way supporters.
But with a new Board Member and Blooms Committee Chair, Melissa Palmer of First National Bank, came new ideas to help create more of a party atmosphere. “I really wanted to make this event livelier and it couldn’t be a better year for it! Everyone has spring fever and is ready to get out and celebrate!” The number one change this year is the addition of a band. Palmer feels confident that the classic rock band, Phoenix, will keep the atmosphere energetic.
This year’s ticket price is still $75 per person and while the menu has not been decided yet, the reservation price will also include wine tasting presented by Republic National Distributors and Fordham Rams Head Craft Beer Tasting supplied by Kelly Distributors. (Glasses of your favorites are available and are included in your reservation cost. Mixed drinks will be available at the cash bar).
Also new this year is a Centerpiece Contest sponsored by Pat Mager and WHBG CPAs. The United Way agencies have been asked to design centerpieces that, of course, include “Blooms” but also represent their agency and acknowledges the sponsor who has donated $500 to be awarded to the best centerpiece of the night. Attendees will vote for their favorite!
One thing that hasn’t changed is that the United Way Board of Directors is once again presenting the “Spring into Giving Wheelbarrow Raffle,” a wheelbarrow brimming with gardening items that will be raffled off at the event. The wheelbarrow is on display now at the Kent Island Branch of First National Bank which has once again stepped up to be the Title Event Sponsor. Raffle tickets are 5 for $10 and tickets are available for purchase at the Kent Island Branch of First National Bank and at Paula’s Fine Jewelry.
Pictured Above: Blooms 2014 Sponsors: United Way Board Members and Banquet “Rose” Sponsors, Paula Warner of Paula’s Fine Jewelry (Left) and Todd Wilhoit of Chesapeake Investment Planning (Right) with Centerpiece Sponsor Pat Mager of WMBG CPAs (Center Left) and Title Sponsor, Board Member and Committee Chair, Melissa Palmer, Manager of the First National Bank, Kent Island Branch.
The United Way of Queen Anne’s County is all about neighbors helping neighbors. The organization allocates funds to 22 local agencies that serve community needs in Queen Anne’s County from children to seniors covering areas from health and human services, to the arts and the environment. For more information about the United Way or the Blooms for United Way event, call Sandra Early at 410-643-6288 or visit www.unitedwayqac.org.
Photo: Blooms 2014 Wheelbarrow: Melissa Palmer has put together’s this year’s wheelbarrow raffle once again and it is on display at the Kent Island Branch of First National Bank. Tickets are 5 for $10 and can be purchased at the bank or at Paula’s Fine Jewelry in Chester!