NEW FOR MONDAY: Tickets Still Available For Discovery Center Fundraiser On Saturday

NEW FOR MONDAY: Tickets Still Available For Discovery Center Fundraiser On Saturday
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SNOW HILL — In the works for months, the Delmarva Discovery Center’s (DDC) “Stars, Soul, and Rock and Roll” fundraising event is set to kickoff this Saturday, Sept. 15.

Built around a tropical theme, the event will take place at the Nassawango Country Club in Snow Hill on the banks of the Pocomoke River and will feature music from the 1960’s through the 80’s.

DDC Executive Director Brian Garrett explained the event is a bit out of the norm as far as his organization’s fundraising efforts usually go.

“We wanted to develop a larger scale fundraising event that was different than our Nature and Heritage Festivals and capitalized on the scenic beauty of the Pocomoke River, which is an important theme and resource for the Discovery Center,” Garrett said.

While the DDC, whose goal is to “serve as a source of learning and discovery for the public,” often focuses on educational experiences, Garrett noted that having a more “adult” themed event would tie-in well with everything else the center offers.

“We felt like an adult oriented social and relaxing event was a complement to our usual educational and family programming,” he said.

In that vein, the DDC Ways and Means Committee decided to go with food and atmosphere at the event that are “island inspired” and a setting on the Nassawango golf course along the Pocomoke River that Garrett described as “absolutely stunning.”

“There will be a large tented area where the band and main activity for the evening will be focused,” he said. “But guests will be able to enjoy the view of the river and stroll around the club house area as they please. The featured entertainment for the event is provided by the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s Drama Society and Music Department and will feature lively dance music from their ‘Do You Remember’ hit performance.”

Along with listening to the 14-piece band, a ticket will grant a tropical-themed dinner and two premium liquor tickets.

During the event, the DDC will also hold a live auction with a number of bidding opportunities, including a Turner sculpture, Miles Hancock decoy, a week in Palm Beach, Fla., a stay at Fager’s Island’s Lighthouse Hotel, a cruise on the skipjack Hilda Willing, and artwork by Ernest Satchel, among other prizes.

Funds raised by the event will go towards DDC efforts to increase their role in the community.

“We hope to raise funds that will allow the DDC to continue expanding our programing and to provide meaningful educational experience at affordable prices to schools on Delmarva,” said Garrett.

Defined as a “living museum” by its mission statement, the DDC seeks to preserve and interpret the “cultural and natural heritage” of the area for the purpose of educating the public and sparking interest and awareness.

Geared toward all ages, the DDC focuses on highlighting the natural features of the peninsula and other areas.

“The immersive and engaging exhibits take visitors on a timeless journey through Delmarva and through the Cypress Swamp,” according to the DDC website. “The exhibits focus on the river ecology and the human history of the Pocomoke River and Delmarva.”

Even with everything going to a worthy cause, Garrett asserted that the DDC’s goal with Saturday’s event is to give participants a unique and enjoyable experience as well as a better understanding of what the center does.

“We hope that guests of the event take away wonderful memories of a fun filled evening and a deeper appreciation of the meaningful work being done at the DDC year round,” he said. “We also hope that guests will tell friends, become members and become more deeply involved.”

The event is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 15 from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. The price of a ticket is $75. For more information contact Brian Garrett at 410-957-9933 or via email at [email protected]