Masquerade ball makes strong debut in Eden

Members of Eden’s Rotary Club dressed to impress Friday night for their masquerade ball, held at Meadow Greens Country Club. Through ticket sales and donations, almost $4,000 was raised for upcoming civic projects.

C. Scott Flanagan, Rotary president, said he wanted an event where people could have fun for a good cause, and the turnout was great. He was dressed as a chick magnet, while other costumes included pirates, vampires, stereotypical “hippies” and jail inmates. The crowd also got to enjoy music from the Band of Oz.

“For our first year having this event, it turned out very well – especially during these economic times,” Flanagan said. “We are very positive that we can pull people together for these great causes we’re supporting.”

Some of the projects the Rotary club is undertaking this year include a scholarship for a Morehead High School student, funding the Eden Greenway building overlook, providing funds for a vocational day called Trading Places, purchasing an ActivBoard for Rockingham County Schools, and helping to build schools in Malawi.

“Through the years, Rotary has done all kinds of things to give back to the community,” Flanagan said. “We have had many successful fund-raising events in the past, but it is harder now because companies can’t afford to fund civic activities like they used to. But we have a good group of folks here who are civic-minded and involved in their community. “

Flanagan was also very thankful to their donors who provided for their event.

“We have 33,000 Rotary organizations spread across the world, and I don’t think people realize how widespread we are,” Flanagan said. “Our motto is ‘service above self,’ and I believe we will be able to raise all the funds we need for our civic responsibilities.”

Flanagan said club members hope to make the masquerade party an annual event, along with the spring golf tournament co-sponsored by the Eden YMCA.