MAYOR MICHAEL MIGNOGNA
Every year, the 170 students in the Voorhees Middle School Drama Club work hard to present a theatrical experience that dazzles the audience. But it is the work that these students perform off the stage that is just as important.
Recognized for excellence in the performing arts and community service, the VMS Drama Club continues its legacy through community service projects that reflect the theme of their productions. This year’s production of “The Sound of Music” helped raise funds for the Children’s Holocaust Memorial at Whitwell Middle School in Whitwell, Tennessee.
Our students raised over $400 to be donated to the memorial for maintenance and upkeep of the shrine. Much of the money was raised through showing the documentary film, “Paper Clips,” the inspiring story of Whitwell Middle School’s effort to memorialize the 11 million victims of the Holocaust. The project was inspired by the Von Trapps’ escape from Nazi-occupied Austria, the premise of the play The Sound of Music. For more information, visit www.oneclipatatime.org.
In years past, the VMS students have supported a community service project that aligned with the theme of their show. When “Beauty and the Beast” was performed, the VMS Drama Club raised funds and awareness for the Children’s Cranial Facial Association (www.ccakids.com).
Other causes supported by the VMS Drama Club include Unicef, organ donation awareness, bringing up Down Syndrome, Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure and the Alicia Rose “Victorious” Foundation.
Special thanks goes to VMS Drama Club director, Leta Strain, for years of molding her students into wonderful young adults.
Congratulations to the VMS Drama Club who reflect the spirit of community in Voorhees Township.
• On Saturday, April 30, the Voorhees Animal Orphanage will hold its 5th Annual Wag ‘n Walk fundraiser at Connolly Park. The event is for dog owners and their pets and is from 9 a.m. to noon. The event features vendors, refreshments and pets for adoption. The annual pet contest begins at 11 a.m. and includes categories for best-dressed pet, best kisser, biggest dog, cutest dressed pet couple, smallest dog, best pet trick and longest ears. Since 1988, VAO has been dedicated to providing shelter, food and medical care to stray and unwanted animals until permanent homes can be found. For more information, visit www.animalorphanage.org.
• The 3rd Annual 5K Run and Walk for the Alicia Rose “Victorious” Foundation will be held on Sunday, May 22 at 9 a.m. beginning at Silver Lake at the Paintworks Corporate Center in Gibbsboro. The Foundation is also looking for teams to register for the run, event sponsors and event volunteers. Teams with 20 or more participants will receive t-shirts bearing their team name. Sponsorships are available for as little as $250. The Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of local teenagers struggling with life threatening illnesses by installing teen lounges in pediatric hospitals. To register for the event or for more information, visit www.active.com or call the Foundation’s office at 856–784–0615.
The Eastern Football Boosters will hold their 8th Annual Golf Class at the Valleybrook Country Club on May 23. Cost is $50 per person. Registration is 10 a.m. and lunch is 11 a.m. There will be a shotgun start at noon. For more information, call 856–261–0089.
