By Staff
MARTINI GLASSES FOR SALE – Artists Sherry Acton, left, and Jaime Purdy hold martini glasses they painted for the Meridian Symphony League's Martini Madness fund-raiser to be held Aug. 24 at Northwood Country Club. About 25 artists are painting 65 glasses that will be sold for $20 each. Photo by Carisa McCain/The Meridian Star
By Penny Randall / staff writer
Aug. 4, 2002
The attire at this year's Meridian Symphony League fund-raiser will be summer casual instead of ball gowns and tuxedos.
Organizers of "Martini Madness" hope more people will attend the new event.
As with the ball, proceeds from Martini Madness will benefit the Meridian Symphony Orchestra.
Evening highlights
Martini Madness will retain some of the ball's traditions the silent auction, live band and great food in a more casual atmosphere.
Items on the block in the silent auction include vacation packages, one to a private home in Gatlinburg, Tenn., hand-painted linens, children's toys and clothes, men's and women's clothing, oil paintings by local artists, gift baskets, home decor items and gift certificates donated by area businesses.
The band, Meet the Press, will play tunes from the 60s through the 90s.
The new theme will also be carried on martini glasses on sale for $20 and hand-painted by local artists Gail Crawford, Joey Horne, Carla Horne, Jessy Dickson, B.J. Hatten, Corey Weed, Sherry Acton, Jaime Purdy, Kim McCarty, Dana Sollie, Jennifer McDonald, Aimee Tramontana and Renee Wood.
People who buy a martini glass qualify in a drawing for a two-night trip to New Orleans.
The food buffet will include a carving station with beef brisket, turkey and pork tenderloin; a Mexican station with mini tacos and chalupa; a potato station with potatoes served in martini glasses with different toppings; not to mention an array of domestic and imported cheeses, fresh breads and fruits.
But, don't fill up on the main course because the desserts are to die for.
Open to the public
Martini Madness is open to the public.
The idea for a different kind of fund-raiser was presented to the 45-member Meridian Symphony League as a suggestion.
The date of the annual fund-raiser has also changed from December to August.
This year, the symphony league has renewed its efforts to get the community involved in raising money for the Meridian Symphony Orchestra.
Want to go?
What: "Martini Madness"
Where: Northwood Country Club
When: Aug. 24, 8 p.m.-1 a.m.
Tickets: $35 single, $70 couple in advance; $40 a person at the door.
For information: 482-0260 or 681-9999