Local Businesses Step up to Help Art OrganizationThe business community is rallying to support Partners N Progress (PNP), a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit charity, as they present their 14th Annual Gala. This year's event, The Age of Aquarius, will be held on Saturday, September 25, at the Largo Cultural Center. "We are really pleased that so many generous companies have already committed to sponsor our event. We couldn't do it without them and really appreciate their support", says Judy Hall, President of PNP. "Everyone in the community is getting on board this year," says Danny Lehan, Chairman of the Gala Committee. "Some of the donations are in kind and these are crucial to our success. All of our printing is being donated by Dick and Barbara Royston, owners of Color Pages. Flowers for the centerpieces will be provided by Flowers by Hanna, our DJ for after dinner dancing is Christina Heubel of High Velocity Entertainment. The hors d'oeuvres are furnished by our long-time supporter, The Stuffed Mushroom, owned by Betsy Byrd. The meal will be donated by The Lobster Pot Restaurant." A silent and live auction will be a big part of the fundraising effort for the evening. "Last year we had such great prizes, we made over $5,000 on the combined auctions," says Sue Bordeaux, the Chairman of the Auction Committee. "It will be difficult to top last year, but with our corporate sponsors I know it will be another success." Ron and Marya Flurnoy, of Creative Design Team, are donating a beautiful room setting and a $500 gift certificate again this year. Bordeaux goes on to say that the Apsco Appliance Centers have been very generous through the years. They are still contemplating what their donation for this will be. "Last year they gave a top of the line washer and dryer, so we can't wait to see what they choose this year. The silent auction takes place during the social hour before the show. We usually have over 100 items, everything from a car wash package to a sewing machine. It's fun to see the donations come in and the baskets come together." Several businesses are choosing to be cash sponsors of the evening. At this time the corporate sponsors include Jim and Paul Walker, a Franchise of the Village Inn, the Palms of Largo, Cornerstone Community Bank, Achieva, and Brighthouse Networks. "We also have generous individuals from our board and the community who contribute. Everything comes together to make the evening a success," says Hall. "As President, I am grateful to all of our sponsors and supporters. We are still seeking sponsorships so it isn't too late to be a part of this great event." The money raised by this, and other events promoted by PNP, goes to provide art experiences in the community, primarily at the Largo Cultural Center. The organization is the producer of the Children's Series at the Center. "Theatrical performances, designed for youngsters, and scholarships to theater camps are two of the programs supported by PNP," says Ann Palumbo, manager of the Cultural Center. "Without the funding from PNP, we would not be able to provide this important service for the students. Keeping the ticket prices reasonable for all of the shows has been another result of PNP's efforts over the years." For more information on the line-up for this season, visit www.largoarts.com. Watch for the ads, sponsored by the Tampa Bay Newspapers for more details, or for more information on how to get involved with this event, call Danny Lehan at (727) 385-8917.
|