We’re Launched! Our Kickoff Benefit Concert Was a Huge Success!

January 26, 2019
On January 24, concert attendees braved the torrential rain to help kick off the Operation Rebuild: Learn, Play, Grow, Outside campaign at a benefit concert at CEHS.

Committee board members Meredith Beauregard and Lauren Glennon, along with Pond Cove school nurse Erin Taylor, welcomed the audience with a touching historical perspective on the playground renovation project, and an exciting glimpse of the new design. Murmurs all around the auditorium agreed — the plans for a nature-based play space and outdoor classroom at Pond Cove are inspiring.

The highlight of the evening, of course, was the chance to enjoy the talent and energy of Piano Men — The Music of Elton and Billy. The concert combined a five-piece rock band, featuring Joe Boucher on piano and vocals, with a classical string quartet. Joe — a Pond Cove parent who admitted his family would log plenty of playground time — generously donated his talent for the event so that ticket proceeds could go straight to the Operation Rebuild campaign fund. The musicians filled the CEHS auditorium with their impressive sound, quickly getting toes tapping and memories flowing for many audience members. (“Wow, those lyrics just come from somewhere inside you, don’t they?” remarked one guest.) Anna Stevens, a CEHS senior and accomplished vocalist, joined the show for a duet performance of “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart,” adding even more hometown spirit to the event. The concert concluded with the audience singing along to the classic “Piano Man.”

The event was a true community effort; from committee members’ hours spent on logistics, advertising, set up, concessions, and clean-up, to donations of paint for “The Rock” from Shoppers True Value and flowers from Fiddleheads, to help from the CEHS Theater Boosters and teacher Steve Price on facilities and tech, this event was the work of many hands. What stood out most was the variety of concert attendees. We spotted everyone from current Pond Cove, Middle School and High School students, parents, and school staff members to community members and parents of students who’ve long since graduated — all excited about helping bring this project to life.

Thank you, Piano Men, for singing to us and helping launch our fundraising campaign in such style. Our energy is high and we can’t wait to continue the momentum!