Classic Christmas Movie Inspires Holly Holiday Fundraiser
Russ Baldwin | Oct 26, 2015 | Comments 0
HOLLY, CO – It wasn’t until Irving Berlin brought Holiday Inn to the silver screen that we could gather together and sing about a White Christmas. Bing Crosby starred in the film that had his character Jim Hardy leave “showbiz” to open a small hotel called Holiday Inn. Open only on holidays, the hotel featured a large dinner followed by musical entertainment. The Holly High School Chapter of National Honor Society (NHS) will transform Holiday Inn to HOLLY-DAY INN to celebrate Holly as Colorado’s Christmas City and raise funds for the Holly Volunteer Ambulance Service.
“Growing up in Holly, I remember the town being filled with holiday spirit from Thanksgiving through Christmas. Many activities have faded over the years. With Holly-Day Inn, our National Honor Society Chapter hopes to get Southeast Colorado in the Christmas spirit in early December,” said Aaron Leiker, advisor of the Holly NHS Chapter.
Set for Friday, December 4th at 6:30 p.m., the evening will begin with a plated dinner for all in attendance. The Holly High School Junior Class will cater a grilled pork chop dinner with sides including a baked potato and dessert. During dinner, a few Holly students will entertain the crowd. Following the meal, NHS is excited to welcome a cappella choir 68 West to perform a holiday inspired concert.
68 West is Adams State University’s vocal jazz ensemble. They perform extensively throughout the San Luis Valley. The ten-member a cappella group, under the direction of Dr. Beth Robison, performs a wide variety of jazz and contemporary styles. 68 West has been featured in performances on campus, for public and private community events, and in educational programs at San Luis Valley schools.
Holly NHS President Grant Thompson has seen 68 West perform a few times. He said, “When I first sat in one of 68 West’s performances, I was blown away. They exemplified what it means to be an a cappella group. Needless to say, I was ecstatic when I heard back from their director saying, ‘Of course, we are interested!’ I hope that everyone can come support our local ambulance crew while enjoying some wonderful entertainment.”
All proceeds from the evening support the Holly Volunteer Ambulance Service. The ambulance service operates on a very small budget and is in need of some necessary new equipment. Leiker said, “The Holly Ambulance Service provides a vital service to our community. The small group of volunteers does so much for all of us that we are honored to supply our proceeds to their efforts.”
The event is Friday, December 4th at 6:30 p.m. in the Commons of Holly High School. Tickets for the evening are $40 and go on sale Monday, November 2. Childcare will be available at the event. Children will be provided a small meal and will watch a Christmas movie. Childcare will be $5 per child and be RSVP’d before the evening via e-mail at a.leiker@hollyschool.org. Parents must also sign a release form.
Tickets may be purchased from National Honor Society members or at Golden Plains Insurance on Main Street in Holly. NHS members are Brendon Crum, Grant Thompson, Chris Weisenhorn, Ashlyn Crossland, Marie Gomez, Macy Kennedy, Taylor Neugebauer, Paulina Rodriguez, and Trace Salzbrenner. If outside of Holly, people may purchase tickets via e-mail at a.leiker@hollyschool.org
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