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Carnivale 2016 was a hit in so many ways

The third annual Carnevale Vergennes, held in the Vergennes Opera House on Saturday, March 5, was an amazing success. When we started this event in 2014 we hoped to raise important operational funds for two nonprofits, the Vergennes Opera House and the Vergennes Partnership. That first event raised $6,000, which was shared between the two groups.
In 2015, last year, we doubled that amount, raising $12,000, allowing for the same two organizations to receive $6,000 each.
This year, we decided to aim higher, not just in terms of our fundraising goals, but by introducing a third nonprofit to the mix, The Boys & Girls Club of Greater Vergennes. We are thrilled to announce that the efforts of the sponsors and guests to this year’s Carnevale Vergennes helped to raise close to $21,000, which was split three ways for a net gift to each nonprofit of nearly $7,000.
We were hopeful for a successful evening but we were not prepared for this overwhelming show of support and generosity shown by local businesses and individuals leading up to and during Carnevale Vergennes.
Close to 150 guests enjoyed an evening of unusual performances (a sword swallower, a bottle dancer and a 12-piece brass band), music, dancing (with the Hokum Brothers) and a silent auction filled with unique, one-of-a-kind items and experiences. The Carnevale theme of “Marco Polo Returns” was complimented by décor of Chinese lanterns, Asian food and an authentic sedan chair as a centerpiece for photos and fun. Guests arrived in remarkable costumes complete with masks reminiscent of the Venetian Carnevale of the 16th and 17th centuries. The entire evening was a spectacle of fun and community.
This evening was a huge success thanks to the many individuals, businesses and organizations who gave prior to and during the event. Special thanks go to our sponsors, including Jeff and Andrew Fritz, Connie and Bill Houston, Ed and Beverly Biello, Attorney Gary Lange, the Markowski family, the Garry Simpson family, Michael and Lynn Donnelly, RPM: Restoration Performance Motorcars, Vergennes Animal Hospital, J.W. & D.E. Ryan Plumbing and Heating, H.J. LeBoeuf & Sons Building & Contracting, Jackman Fuels, WhistlePig Whiskey, Everywear for Everybody, and the stations of the Hall Communications Radio Group. Additionally, dozens upon dozens of businesses and individuals donated products, gift certificates, classes, dinners, cruises, weekend stays and more for our silent auction, which accounted for over half of the net profit. A huge thank you to all of them.
Many hands were involved in pulling this exciting night together with too many to mention but we take comfort in knowing that their “giving” was an unconditional part of the overall effort to make this evening such a success. The greater Vergennes community is a generous and giving one, and the success of Carnevale Vergennes is clear proof of this “can do” spirit.
We are all eternally grateful for your support.
Jeff Fritz, president, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Vergennes
Renny Perry, president, Vergennes Partnership
Gerianne Smart, president, Vergennes Opera House
MEMBERS OF THE Boys & Girls Club of Greater Vergennes send a thank you note to Carnevale Vergennes organizers. This year’s event raised almost $21,000, nearly $7,000 of which benefited the club.
  Photo by Mike Reiderer

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