Bluegrass fund-raiser canceled

Organizers of the "Bluegrass in the Garden" Meals on Wheels fund-raiser have canceled the event due to poor ticket sales and conflicting community events.

"It's the same day as a free jazz concert at the Brewery Arts Center," said Barbara Tonge, administrative assistant at the Carson City Senior Citizens Center.

"And we haven't sold very many tickets, only about 50. So whoever purchased a ticket can return it to the center's finance office for a full refund."

The fund-raiser has brought in $27,000 over the past five years for the Meals on Wheels program.

This year would have been the sixth annual Bluegrass in the Garden, which features the Northern Nevada Bluegrass Volunteer Orchestra performing live. A hot meal is served to the participants who are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy the garden setting of the Governor's Mansion back yard.

"I don't know quite what to say. The Bluegrass Association has been wonderful. They've donated their time for five years.

"It was great for four years, last year not so good (in sales). But we appreciate the support from everyone who has helped and come to the events."

Tonge said there are just too many events happening on the same day for the community to be able to support them. The Boys and Girls Club annual barbecue fund-raiser is the same day the Governor's Mansion is holding its annual "Tin Cup Tea."

"The whole town has gone crazy with events. We'll find another way to make money. I hate to see it go but we'll get something better."

"Unfortunately it does leave a hole in our budget," said Janice McIntosh, executive director of the center.

"We've raised about $27,000 in five years. We're going to be doing a lot of problem solving and planning now. We need to think outside the box and be creative.

"Nobody had bluegrass when we started six years ago; now it's all over the place. But we will be creative and do something, we always do."

McIntosh encourages the public to "Adopt-a-Senior." A donation may be made to cover the cost of a homebound person's meals for one month, one quarter, six months or a full year. Donations of any amount will be accepted.

You can help:

What: Donations to Meals on Wheels program

Adopt-a-Senior

$44 one month; $132 three months; $264 six months; $528 one year

Mail to: Carson City Senior Citizens Center, 911 Beverly Drive, Carson City, 89706

Call: 883-0703

Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.