On August 2, as threatening weather abated, the Cherry Grove Community Association, Inc. (CGCAI) held a “Route 66”-themed afternoon fundraiser for the Save Our Community House (SOCH) campaign, raising $181,215, at Blueberry Hill, home of Sam Green and Chris Lacovara, who sponsored the party and came dressed as police officers. Road trip-inspired attire was encouraged and attendees adhered to the suggestion, with Western and trailer trash looks prevailing. There were roadside-style refreshment stations and entertainment provided by some of the community’s loveliest.
Coco opened the show with “(Get your kicks on) Route 66” and Lola continued with “Redneck Woman.” Both were barefoot and dressed in their trailer trashiest best. Margo, playing a skunk, did a number about a “dead skunk in the middle of the road, stinking to High Heaven,” and announced, “This is a celebration of our community,” showing “what we can accomplish with our Community House”—$1.1 million raised for SOCH for repairs and renovations to our historic Community House and Theatre in three years. Demi-Tasse’s number was “I never promised you a rose garden” and Donna Piranha’s was “White Trash Girl.” Coco concluded the entertainment with “Mustang Sally.”
The climax of the party was Evelyn Danko’s drawing of the winning raffle ticket for a new ruby red 2014 Ford Mustang convertible V-6, donated by Valerie Perez and Evelyn, Sam and Chris, and CGCAI, which was won by Cathy and John Howe.