Bluegrass in the Garden fund-raiser today at Governor's Mansion

The colorful garden of the Governor's Mansion is the setting for a "Bluegrass in the Garden" fund-raiser for the Carson City Senior Citizens Center Meals on Wheels program.

"Everything is going fantastic," said Janice McIntosh, director of the Carson City Senior Citizens Center.

"The staff and volunteers of the center have been just great. They have helped out immensely in getting things ready. The box suppers are just wonderful. They've been working on them all afternoon."

With live music by The Northern Nevada Bluegrass Association Volunteer Orchestra, entertainment by the Capitol City Cloggers and supper available picnic-box style, the evening is set for a casual atmosphere.

Early arrivers will be able to sit at tables, others will have to settle for the green grass of the back yard. Lawn chairs and blankets are recommended.

The box suppers include two sandwiches on homemade rolls, garlic marinated chicken breast, ham, pasta salad, fresh fruit salad and a relish.

"The gift shop is baking homemade desserts like pecan and peach pies and will sell them by the slice," said Barbara Tonge, administrative assistant at the center.

"We'll have beer, wine, soft drinks, and coffee is included with the dinner. And we have Tom Baker for emcee."

About 12 staff members and volunteers have been taking part in helping prepare for the fund-raiser. They've been cooking chicken, cutting fruit, baking rolls and "running around town" picking up stuff, she said.

Raffle tickets are still available. There is an extensive list of prizes available including two open-end tickets on Southwest Airlines, day passes to Walley's Resort, show tickets at the Reno Hilton, one night accommodations in a mountain suite at Resort at Squaw Creek, M.S. Dixie II sightseeing tour passes and much, much more.

The cost of preparing and delivering one meal to the homebound is $4.31. The average cost received in return is about 90 cents. Many of the homebound are not able to pay for their meals. The center delivers about 185 meals a day to the homebound, five days a week. Fund-raisers are a vital part of helping to supplement the monies needed to continue the program.

The center receives grants from the Division of Aging Services to help defray the cost of the program. In addition, other fund-raisers include sales of See's Candy, Entertainment 2000 coupon books, Pennies for Meals, donations from other service organizations, the Gift Shop's yearly donations and private contributions.

IF YOU GO

What: Bluegrass in the Garden

When: 5-8 p.m. today

Where: Governor's Mansion backyard

Cost: $10 adults; $7.50 seniors and children 12-younger

Info and raffle tickets: 883-0703