​Just this month, I was invited to a “drive-by” baby shower.  With all the drive-by activities happening during this unusual time we’re living through, what a wonderful way to create a “virtual”, yet in-person event to celebrate the birth of a youngster who will forever be tied to this incredible year.
 
Drive-by graduations.  Drive-by parades of teachers to visit in-person, yet virtually, with their students.  A way to connect, even if the hugs aren’t readily available.  A way to virtually remain a part of the lives of those you care about.  One of the inventions of this unprecedented year that reflects the unbreakable spirit of people, even in the face of great obstacles.
 
And in this year of facing obstacles, the Severna Park Community Center has seen months of closure, cancellations, costly repairs, and a slow struggle to find our way back to this new “normal”.  Struggles like repairing a pool during a time when available funds were stretched to their very limit.  Struggles, just like everyone is facing now.
 
And so we wondered.  How could we host an in-person gala this fall, our biggest fundraiser of the year, and ensure that everyone was still safe, in a time of COVID?  Our annual event, normally hosted for more than 200, would need to wait until spring.
 
But with the center closed for so many months, this fundraiser was needed more than ever.  Therefore, following on the lead of many “drive-by” events across our region and around the world, SPCC has launched what we believe is the first-ever Drive-By Gala event, scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2020.
 
Because at the end of the day, we need those funds to operate.  But even more, we really need to connect once again with our many friends in the region.  Guests to the event will come in their cars and stop just briefly to be met at SPCC’s entrance with a gala-in-a-box, delivered by safely masked special guest presenters, dressed to impress in full gala attire.
 
And because a gala fundraiser should be FUN - live music, decorations, paparazzi, and much more will greet guests as they arrive.  More than a fundraiser, this event will provide us with a way to connect, from six feet, with those who haven’t been able to make it back yet.  We can’t wait to see you!  Even if it’s just for a drive-by.
 
Sarah Elder
Executive Director
Severna Park Community Center

We are excited to share with you our auction items for next weekend!

A few special silent auction items:

• Shady VIP seating for the Severna Park 4th of July Parade for 8
• Upcycled wood carving of the State of Maryland
• Portrait session
• Golf outing
• Dessert of the Month Club
• Tickets to Maryland Football
• Interior design consultation

​Plus, you can see our list of live auction items here, and start planning your vacations!

See you Saturday night, SP!

We are grateful to the leadership of the sponsors below for their support of the Gala/Auction this year!

What a beautiful gallery by local photographer Stephanie Mennell in the Voice!

Visit their site right here to relive all your favorite moments of last weekend's Soaring to New Heights Gala Auction.

What are some of the things you might bid on this weekend?  We have a tremendous variety of items in both the live and silent auctions, which can be YOURS for the taking!  A few of our favorites are listed below!  Happy bidding, SP.

Spring is coming!  Let's head out to the B&A Trail for a little pedaling.  Buy a raffle ticket or 10, and you might be able to take this wonderful cruiser home with you Saturday night!  With coaster brakes, 3 speeds and a special comfy seat, bikers of all ages and fitness levels can take this one for a spin.

Who's ready for the beach?  If you've never vacationed in Low Country, now is your chance to enjoy this special part of the world.  Spend a week in Isle of Palms, off the coast of Charleston, SC.    
This beautiful beach vacation home can be yours if you prevail in the live auction.  
​Airfare vouchers are included!

This beautiful silver and pearl necklace was custom crafted by local silversmith, Robin Sells, wife of this year's honoree, Larry Sells!  
​It will be available in the Silent Auction room, and is sure to be a crowd pleaser.

A little culture, anyone?  NYC is the perfect Fall getaway, am I right?  Why not see Hamilton while you're there this year?  
​We have 2 tickets to see the show in early October, complete with Amtrak and Marriott vouchers to make your trip simple.  Another live auction item, ready for you to make your travel plans.

...Board Member, Event Sponsor and Gala Expert, Jamie Bragg!

Jamie and Helena Bragg were the honorees of SPCC's gala auction in 2016, and they return with aplomb this year, as our event Silver Sponsors.  We are so grateful to them for their continued support of The Center!

Jamie chairs this year's volunteer committee, and both Braggs are huge advocates for the event, not only bringing dozens of guests on event night, but also collecting and donating wonderful items to our live auction, including one of the signature live auction packages: A week-long vacation to the Riveria Maya resort in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

A Severna Park native and local football star, Jamie was an outstanding athlete under coach (and fellow SPCC board member) Andy Borland and went on to play football at the University of Maryland. He is the vice president of the team sports division at Under Armour.

Helena Bragg was also a student-athlete at the University of Maryland: a three-time national championship lacrosse player. Both Braggs support our local community through their kids' sports and schools, their neighborhood activities, and local events such as Parenting for a Different World.  We are thrilled to have the Braggs on our team and can't wait to see them on event night.

Do you have your tickets to the Soaring to New Heights gala yet?  They are close to sell-out, so secure your seats right online here.

See you in April, SP!

Not long ago, this year’s Soaring To New Heights gala honoree, Larry Sells, wrote a wonderful op-ed piece in The Voice emphasizing the importance of the Shop Local movement here in Severna Park. 

SHOP LOCAL is a community-wide effort designed to encourage us all to patronize local businesses. These businesses continually contribute to area non-profit organizations such as schools, churches, sports teams, charities and more- we love to see them in the July 4th parade, a town favorite! Many of these same small stores, businesses and service providers are also supporters of the Severna Park Community Center. 

In his article, Larry reminded our community residents and organizations to complete the circle of support, keeping our community healthy, vibrant and strong.  He pointed out the importance of supporting our local brick and mortar stores because it we don’t, they may not survive, which would fundamentally alter our small town.  Larry pointed to various closures in the area that show this trend is already creeping in.

Building community is what we do here at SPCC, and we are so proud that Larry supports the Shop Local movement right here in our hometown.  

Please join us at the Soaring to New Heights Gala to celebrate Larry on Saturday April 14 at Chartwell County Club (another local treasure in Severna Park).  

See you there, SP!

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