PHOTO CAPTION: Representatives of the Dickinson County Community Chorus presented checks July 18 with proceeds from its “Music Under the Stars” concert July 13 at Lake Antoine Park, which drew more than 500 attendees and raised $2,000 for local nonprofit initiatives. From left are Barb Kramer, vice president, and Ann Hruska, treasurer, Lake Antoine Park Partners; Joan Pataconi, fundraising chair, and Crystal Hogan, director, Dickinson County Community Chorus; and Barb Reisner, executive director, and Jonathan Ringel, board member, Imagination Factory Children’s Museum — Community Center.

IRON MOUNTAIN — A warm July evening filled with the sounds of show tunes and the spirit of generosity brought more than 500 community members to Lake Antoine Park for the Dickinson County Community Chorus’s annual “Music Under the Stars” concert July 13.

This year’s community event titled “Give My Regards to Broadway” featured crowd-pleasing selections from iconic musicals and served as a fundraiser for two local causes.

Through the generosity of concertgoers and the efforts of Fundraising Chair Joan Pataconi, the DCCC presented $1,000 checks to each of the evening’s beneficiaries: Lake Antoine Park Partners, or LAPP, www.lakeantoine.org; and Imagination Factory Children’s Museum’s Community Center, www.imaginationfactory.us.

Both organizations are in the midst of major capital campaigns that focus on children, strengthen community infrastructure and promote family-friendly recreation and learning.

“We’re thrilled and thankful for this generous support,” said Allison Lucier, president of Lake Antoine Park Partners. “The funds will help advance our efforts to construct the Everyone Plays playground at Lake Antoine, an all-inclusive, accessible play space where children of all ages and abilities can thrive.”

“This support couldn’t have come at a better time,” said Barbara Reisner, executive director of the IFCC. “We’re transforming the historic Central School into an expanded children’s museum and community center. The funds raised by the chorus bring us one step closer to realizing that dream. We are grateful.”

The organizations are also hosting upcoming events to further support their initiatives —

— The Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, hosted by the Imagination Factory Children’s Museum, will take place Aug. 16 through 18 in Iron Mountain. Registration and details are available at www.gusmackerim.org.

— Proceeds from the Eighth-Ever Crafty Flea Market, scheduled for Sept. 6, will directly benefit LAPP’s Everyone Plays playground project. Donations are always welcome at www.lakeantoine.org.

The Dickinson County Community Chorus continues to exemplify how the arts can inspire action. “Music has always been a unifying force,” said Crystal Hogan, chorus director. “To see hundreds of people come together to celebrate Broadway and give back to their community — that’s the real magic.

“The performance — and its positive ripple effect — serve as a shining example of how art and community action can come together to build a stronger future.”