Rockin' time to raise playground funds

SHARON — The Bok Gallery at TriArts on Route 343 was rocked (and rolled) by two bands in a benefit for the Sharon Center School PTO on Friday, April 23. The PTO is raising funds to build a new playground at Sharon Center School in order to replace the old, dilapidated one that was built in 1993 and is made out of wood.

At the benefit, The Tomahawks (a band made up of three current Sharon Center School students) played a warm-up set for another local band, Swamp Yankee.

“We don’t have that much going on in our little town at night, so we figured we would have a concert for a good cause,� organizer Johanna Haan said. “The bands donated their time and TriArts donated the use of their gallery for this event.�

Alice Bemand, executive director of TriArts, said the theater company was more than willing to help out the PTO.

“Sharon Center School has been very good to TriArts,� Bemand said. “They let us use the school in the summer for some of our Youtheatre programs. Typically we do not rent the Bok Gallery for fundraisers, but due to our special relationship we were more than happy to donate the space.�

The Tomahawks played a selection of Isley Brothers and Beatles classics. Swamp Yankee played a selection of classic 70s MOR (Middle of the Road) songs, which got the audience up and dancing.

“We’re performing tonight because this is for the town,� Swamp Yankee guitar player Darren Winston said before the show. “We all love the school and the town, so we could not say no when the PTO asked us.�

At press time, PTO President Marilyn Yerks said the funds collected at the event were still being counted. However, she estimated that around $4,700 was raised between ticket sales and sales at a silent auction.

The playscape fund has almost reached $25,000 out of the $60,000 needed. Donations can be sent to Sharon Center School Playground Fund, 80 Hilltop Road, Sharon CT 06069.

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