Duane Hicks
“Music in the Park,” a fundraiser for the “I Am Awesome (And I Know It)” girls’ retreat, will take place next Thursday (Aug. 6) from 4-8 p.m. at the Emo Spray Park.
Some of this year’s retreat participants are getting together to put on a community event for the whole family to enjoy.
“We did ‘Music in the Park’ in 2013, the first year of our program, and we had a pretty good response,” noted retreat director Renée Martin-Brown.
“That year, we only had 19 girls registered so it was a little bit of a smaller event,” she conceded.
“This time, we have over 60 girls registered so we’re hoping that, even though some of them live outside of our district, that the ones who live in the district will be able to come and participate,” Martin-Brown added.
“It gives the girls an opportunity to meet each other and network before we meet up for the weekend at Sunny Cove [on Sept. 24-27],” she said.
“I want them to know who else is coming.
“It’s really an opportunity to start those friendships and, for me, to see who makes instant connections, which is important when I am going to be putting them in a cabin together for four days,” Martin-Brown reasoned.
“Music in the Park” also is a chance for retreat participants to work to earn money toward their $300 “Pay It Forward” goal.
While the girls aren’t paying a fee to attend this year’s retreat, they each are asked to raise $300 so that other girls can attend it next year.
Martin-Brown said those who actively participate in the “Music in the Park” fundraiser next Thursday will split the proceeds from the event to apply toward their “Pay it Forward” goals.
She noted this is the final “I Am Awesome” fundraiser of the summer for the participants and their parents.
They sold “tacos in a bag” at the dragon boat races here June 27 and again on Canada Day, then held “tag days” at Tim Hortons on July 24-25.
The retreat was given the proceeds of the Emo Legion’s 50/50 draw for July, as well.
Next Thursday’s event will feature local musical talent, including McKenna Begin, Ken Brown, Brianna Eldridge, Brittany Strachan, and Martin-Brown herself, with more to be confirmed by next week.
The retreat participants, meanwhile, will be painting children’s faces for donations.
There also will be a photo scavenger hunt, with those who take part having a chance to win a scooter donated by J.N. Webb & Sons.
A fundraising barbecue will be held, as well, featuring hamburgers, hotdogs, chips, and refreshments donated by Cloverleaf.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
If you plan to attend, please R.S.V.P. on Facebook to help organizers better prepare.
And remember to bring your own lawn chair.
