The Scott-Free Scholarship Foundation held its second annual event on September 26th. The country-western themed event raised funds that will allow the local nonprofit to send children to summer camps next year.
This year, the need-based scholarship paired 46 local children with 22 different summer camps that matched their unique abilities and interests. The event was held at the Woodbine Equestrian Center and featured a wide array of musical performances, a Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournament, an art auction and multiple raffle giveaways. Supporters braved rainy conditions to ensure that local at risk children will continue to experience the fun, freedom and camaraderie of a summer camp in 2010.
Scott-Free would like to extend a special thanks to Bob Brantley of Buckhead Beef in Atlanta and the talented team from The Umstead Hotel & Spa, led by Executive Chef Scott Crawford and longtime Scott-Free supporter Banquet Chef Bill Harrison. Working tirelessly under tents in the rainy weather, they prepared an amazing meal that set he tone for an incredible evening. The Scott-Free Foundation would not exist without such an amazing base of support.
Children from the Hayes Barton School of Music began the evening with a multi-piece performance, followed by Scott-Free campers Wyatt and Carter, ages 16, who performed pieces on the violin that they fine-tuned at the Green Mountain Music Festival this summer. Local country band 40 North got the crowd dancing and Brooklyn’s own DJ 100 dBs swept in with a collection of soulful music. A local gospel choir “The Voices” rounded off the event’s musical lineup with a short but powerful acapella performance.
There was also the excitement of a Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournament with 30 guests participating in the multi-table tournament. The top three finishers were awarded prizes of a Topsail Island beach house for a week, U2 concert tickets, and a box suite at the RBC Center for an NCSU basketball game.
The event concluded with an art auction that featured a wide array of art donated from all over the US. Between the auction and the numerous raffle giveaways, no one went home empty handed.
Scott-Free’s success is realized thanks to the support of an enthusiastic and generous community. Together, it provides children with an opportunity to explore the possibilities of their own abilities, dreams and desires by exposing them to life outside their own surroundings. Many more children will get this opportunity next year thanks to supporters and the 2009 Scott-Free Event.