Summer Concert Series to Host First Fundraiser

The Deer Park Summer Concert Series is hosting its first-ever fundraiser on Saturday, May 16, beginning at 9 a.m. at VFW Post 3067, 29 E 1st Street in Deer Park. According to Deer Park Summer Series organizer Hazel McGillivray, the proceeds will go towards the series’ budget deficit and purchasing music equipment. McGillivray said this is the first year since she took over the concert series that they have had to host a fundraiser. “What I was able to bring to the community for two years in a row at around $8,000 is now costing me $12,000. My administrative costs have raised; that's not even paying the talent anything more. I wish I could. But that's just the administrative costs of everything that's increasing these days,” she said. McGillivray added that, along with administrative costs, she would like to purchase music equipment for the concert series; cur- rently she said they borrow equipment from a resident. McGillivray said, so far, she has been able to raise $11,000 through sponsor- ships; the fund- raiser aims to raise the final $1,000. The fundraiser includes a rummage sale, bake sale, and raffle. McGillivray said everyone who purchases an item from the rummage or bake sale will automatically be entered into the raffle; items of which include two guitars and guitar lessons, a Pendleton blanket, and a variety of themed baskets. According to McGillivray, the con- cert series is in its 19th year; this year, each concert will have its own theme. The first concert is scheduled for June 13 in Mix Park from 5-8 p.m. and the theme will honor the country’s 250th birthday.