Brandon, who lives at St. Mary’s Home, and Julie Clyburn, a member of St. Mary’s recreational therapy department, were among close to 400 people who enjoyed the “It’s Fall, Y’all” fundraiser and celebration on Sept. 23. (photo courtesy of Hampton Roads Photography)
NORFOLK, Va. (Oct. 14, 2016) — About 400 people jammed to bluegrass and enjoyed BBQ, oysters and craft beer at the first “It’s Fall, Y’all” celebration at St. Mary’s Home, which raised nearly $27,000 to support children and adults with disabilities.
PRA Group, Inc., a longtime supporter of the nonprofit, donated $25,000 and was the presenting sponsor of the event, which took place Sept. 23 on the grounds of St. Mary’s.
“It was wonderful to see so many of the children and young adults who live at St. Mary’s have fun in their own front yard and connect with our friends and supporters in the community during this great event,” said William C. Giermak, St. Mary’s CEO.
Tradition Brewing Co., a new craft brewery in Newport News, partnered with St. Mary’s to provide adult beverages. Guests also enjoyed BBQ from Malbon Bros., salty seaside oysters from Welton’s Seafood, vegetarian food truck fare, cornhole and other family friendly activities, a tour of St. Mary’s and live bluegrass music by More Perfect Jones.
In addition, Kid2Kid, St. Mary’s youth volunteer group had desserts for sale and a silent auction table, and volunteers from Junior League of Norfolk-Virginia Beach, Inc., were on hand to feature their cookbook and assist with pouring wine.
To the delight of guests of all ages, Spiderman, Captain America and Iron Man also appeared during the event, courtesy of the Hampton Roads Superhero Squad, a group dedicated to children with special needs.
Additional sponsors of It’s Fall, Y’all were The Norfolk Sertoma Club; Peter Decker Children’s Charity, Coastal Prosthetics and Orthotics; The Norfolk Stationery Co., Inc.; National Seating & Mobility; Strayseed Landscaping & Design; MRI-CT Diagnostics and Birsch. Media partners were 92.9 FM The Wave and 97.3 The Eagle.
About PRA Group: As a global leader in acquiring and collecting nonperforming loans, PRA Group, Inc. returns capital to banks and other creditors to help expand financial services for consumers in the Americas and Europe. With almost 4,000 employees worldwide, PRA Group companies collaborate with customers to help them resolve their debt and provide a broad range of additional revenue and recovery services to business and government clients. For more information, please visit www.pragroup.com.