Back to Back Benefits
Back-to-back benefits promise to fill this weekend with fun.
On Friday, April 11, four island non-profits will come together for “4,” a fundraiser taking place from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Sconset Casino. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased by calling the Lighthouse School at 508.228.0427. 4 will benefit the Nantucket Lighthouse School, Nantucket Land Council, Nantucket Preservation Trust, and Sustainable Nantucket.
“4” is a unique evening of collaboration supporting and celebrating the year-round life of Nantucket. Cary Hazlegrove, a nationally recognized photographer, will debut a new production at “4”: 30 Years of Island Faces, featuring candid moments in the lives of beloved islanders over the last three decades. The Shingles, a local band comprised of musicians Andy Bullington, Cary Hazlegrove, Michael Kopko, David Provost, and Chris Westerlund will entertain the crowds at “4,” as will Mollie Glazer and friends from the faculty of NCMC. The celebration will include wonderful food and libation from the Nantucket Catering Company and Cisco Brewery. The centerpiece of the event will be four unique silent auctions, which will raise essential funds for each of the non-profits participating in the event. Finally, the Lighthouse School will be drawing the winner of its Jeep Patriot Raffle. Raffle tickets will be available for purchase until the drawing of the raffle takes place.
This event is the brain-child of Hazlegrove, who is also a Lighthouse School parent. “Non-profits assume the important responsibility of enhancing the quality and culture of our community,” said Hazlegrove. “The concept of “4” was born out of a wish to consolidate the efforts of a committed community of people who care deeply about Nantucket’s infrastructure: education, land, architecture, and sustainability. The Nantucket Lighthouse School community is committed to making a difference in our year-round island life. We hope “4” represents the future of fundraising endeavors on Nantucket.”
The non-profits partnering with the Lighthouse School for “4” are equally enthusiastic about the collaboration. “A community benefits from collaboration like this, which brings together separate interests to celebrate our mutual charitable purposes,” said Lynn Zimmerman, Associate Executive Director of the Nantucket Land Council. Michael May, Executive Director of the Nantucket Preservation Trust, noted, “We are excited about the opportunity to reach out and work with other non-profits on Nantucket who share a passion for education, and the preservation of the island’s natural and built environment.” Michelle Whelan, Executive Director of Sustainable Nantucket said, “At Sustainable Nantucket, we see a vibrant, engaged community as one where individuals, government and non-profits are all working together to envision and build a sustainable future for ourselves and our island. Collaboration between Nantucket’s non-profits strengthens the influence and impact of our organizations on our community, and benefits us all. We are pleased to have the opportunity to participate in the “4” event with the Lighthouse School, the Land Council, and the Preservation Trust, and look forward to a wonderful evening!” Lizbet Carroll Fuller, Lighthouse School Co-Founder and Director of Education added, “It makes sense to join together as non-profit organizations that serve to preserve and enhance those things that are invaluable to the spirit, character, history and future of Nantucket – namely, our island’s children, our open land and natural resources, the preservation of our past, and the sustainability of our future. As a school, Lighthouse strives to educate thoughtful, compassionate and competent individuals while preserving the spirit of childhood. We are thankful for fellow organizations, such as the Nantucket Land Council, the Preservation Trust and Sustainable Nantucket, for working to preserve the natural and cultural character of our collective home.”
For event and raffle tickets, call the Lighthouse School at 508-228-0427.
On Saturday, April 12, you’ll want to “dress to kill” for the 2nd Annual Casino Royale event at the Rose & Crown on South Water Street. According to The Nantucket Arts Council, sponsor of the event, “Black tie or Bad Guy” attire is suggested, and Bond Girls are most welcome.
The evening will feature a full casino with blackjack, roulette, a Big 6 Moneywheel, and a 50/50 raffle. Local DJs Devlin and Billy Desmond will be spinning their popular down-tempo tunes that drew large crowds to the Jetties on Sunday evenings this past summer. Vintage Bond flicks will be on the big screen, and Bond look-alikes will dot the crowd. Those who attend in costume may have their pictures taken on the “Red Carpet.”
Tickets are $15 in advance (and for Arts Council members) or $20 at the door. Advance tickets may be purchased at the NAC office at 508-325-8588, at Bookworks, and at the Rose and Crown. Proceeds from Casino Royale will benefit the NAC Scholarship Program. The Weezie Foundation has also offered a matching grant for donations at this event up to $75,000.
The Nantucket Arts Council provides scholarships to year-round Nantucket residents who are graduating high school seniors and who wish to continue their education in the arts at the college level. NAC supports study in the fields of music, dance, literature, drama, and the visual arts. Selections for scholarship are based on recommendations, interviews, and the candidates work, and decisions are based solely on the merits of the candidates.
For more information on the Nantucket Arts Council’s Scholarship Fund, visit www.NantucketArtsCouncil.org.
