Sunny Side Up: Show, drives, walk successful efforts to help our neighbors

Residents and guests of Sun City Carolina Lakes were given a special treat when the Sun City Choral Society presented “100 Years of Broadway,” a fabulous show wrapping up a gorgeous spring May 18-19. Directed by Norm Speiser, the chorus delighted its audience and received standing ovations for each performance.
The Choral Society organized and began rehearsing four years ago. They have presented several concerts over the years. The group also performs at special events, such as the Memorial Day ceremony held on the Lake House back lawn.  
Two years ago, the group decided to support children’s causes. This year, the Choral Society presented a check for $1,500 to St. Jude’s Children’s Cancer Research. The money was raised from concerts last December.
Vice President Marlene Weiss said a prior donation went to The Levine Children’s Hospital.
“We have an outreach program, which was put into effect last year,” Weiss said. “We performed at the Lancaster Convalescent Center in December. We hope to go to the veterans hospital this December.”
Successful drives for children
On another note, with one hugely successful birthday/pizza party behind them, the Volunteers and Helping Hands of Sun City held yet another pizza night for the children at Lancaster Children’s Home.
But that is only part of the story.
The club also ran a very successful drive here in Sun City for the children not only at the Lancaster Children’s Home, but also the Rock Hill Attention Home. Both are homes for abused and neglected children.  
Once again, donations for this drive were remarkable in size and scope.
Drive coordinator Debbie Devokaitis said a total of “$905, plus 60 bags of donations were split between the Lancaster Children’s Home and the Children’s Attention Center. Whoo hooo!”
Needless to say, she was very pleased with the results.
Garden walk for library
The Mums and Poppies organized a delightful garden walk event to raise funds for the  Del Webb Library at Indian Land. It took many people and a great deal of coordination.
“We had a record number of attendees, in excess of 300, and an absolutely perfect day,” club President Carol Williams said.
The club collected $1,160.86, which will be put toward the club’s library landscaping fund. There will be more about this ongoing project in future columns.
Welcome summer
Sun City officially welcomed summer with great fanfare. Lifestyle Director Trevor Sunderlage recruited members of the Mind, Body, Spirit group to offer up a ritualistic drumming ceremony for the Lighting of the Torch of Summer. The lazy, hazy days of summer have officially begun.    
    
Beverly Lane Lorenz’s Sunny Side Up column runs once a month. If you have a question about the Sun City Carolina Lakes community, call (803) 283-1154.

courtesy of Norm Speiser

The Sun City Choral Society presents a $1,500 check for cancer research to Jessica Thrasher with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, front left, during its May presentation of “100 Years of Broadway.” From left on front row are Thrasher, Choral Society Executive Committee members Marlene Weiss, vice president; Romaine Mitchell, monitor; Sharon Johnson, president; MaryPaula Keith, secretary; Charlie Normile, treasurer; and Norman Speiser, director.