DCCC donates to local non-profits

By CRYSTAL HOGAN

For The Daily News

IRON MOUNTAIN -- A warm July evening filled Lake Antoine Park with the sounds of patriotic favorites and spirited music as more than 600 community members gathered for the Dickinson County Community Chorus' annual Music Under the Stars concert July 12.

This year's program, titled "America the Beautiful," celebrated the nation's 250th birthday through music while raising $950 for two local nonprofit organizations.

Through the generosity of concertgoers and the efforts of DCCC Fundraising Chair Joan Pataconi, the chorus presented $475 each to Lake Antoine Park Partner and the Imagination Factory Children's Museum-Community Center.

Both organizations are working to complete major projects that will expand recreational, educational and family-friendly opportunities in the community.

Lake Antoine Park Partners is raising funds for the phase II of its Everyone Plays Playground at Lake Antoine. The planned all-inclusive, accessible play space is designed to welcome children of all ages and abilities.

"We're thrilled and thankful for this generous support,” said Barb Kramer, vice-president of Lake Antoine Park Partners. "The Everyone Plays Playground will provide a place where children and families can play, gather and enjoy Lake Antoine together."

The Imagination Factory Children's Museum-Community Center continues its work to transform the historic Central School into an expanded children's museum and community center. The focus is the completion of the second and third floors of the center.

"This support brings us another step closer to realizing the dream of a welcoming place where children can explore, imagine and learn," said Barbara Reisner, executive director of the Imagination Factory Children’s Museum-Community Center. "We are grateful for the generosity of the chorus and everyone who attended the concert."

Hogan said Lake Antoine Park Partners and the Imagination Factory have now been selected as the permanent nonprofit recipients of proceeds raised through the annual Music Under the Stars concert. Volunteers from both organizations helped the children's chorus members sell popcorn and water to the concertgoers.

"The Dickinson County Community Chorus is pleased to continue supporting these two organizations and the important work they are doing for children and families throughout the area," Hogan said. "The annual concert brings people together through music while also creating lasting benefit for the community."

The organizations are also preparing for upcoming events that will provide additional support for their initiatives.

The Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, hosted by the Imagination Factory Children's Museum-Community Center, will take place Aug. 15-16 in Iron Mountain.

Registration and event information are available at www.gusmackerim.org.

Proceeds from the Crafty Flea Market, scheduled for Sept. 12, will directly benefit LAPP's Everyone Plays Playground project. Donations to the playground initiative are also welcome at www.lakeantoine.org.

The Dickinson County Community Chorus continues to demonstrate how music can inspire action and strengthen community connections.

"Music has always been a unifying force," Hogan said. "Seeing hundreds of people gathered at Lake Antoine to enjoy the performance and support two valuable community projects is a wonderful example of what can be accomplished when people come together."