On Sunday, St. Mary’s Home continued celebrating its 65th anniversary with a free, public concert by The Rhythm Project. The acclaimed world percussion youth ensemble is the primary community program of the Virginia Arts Festival. “We love this music,” Martha Stewart, St. Mary’s director of development, said in introducing the group. “It’s the kind of music you can feel.”
After the concert, we dedicated a number of recent additions to the Home, including a koi pond, library, refurbished family room and our signature mermaid statue, “Embrace.” Crystle, who happened to be celebrating her 21st birthday on Sunday, pulled a red ribbon with Scott Crumley, who is building the Charity House at the Tidewater Builders Association’s Fall Homearama. Proceeds from the home will benefit the children and young adults of St. Mary’s Home. “What a great way for us to help you celebrate your 65th anniversary,” said William H. Halprin, president of the Tidewater Builders Association, noting the organization’s long tradition of giving back to the community.
Also during the event, Karen Hibbard, president of the Auxiliary Board of St. Mary’s, presented the Home with a check for $10,000 for scholarships to send children from the Home to summer camp. Most of the money was raised during the Auxiliary’s auction in February, with the Auxiliary kicking in $500.
In a nod to history, members of The Cape Henry Model A Ford Club displayed their beautiful antique cars in front of the Home throughout Sunday’s events.
To see more photos from the spring concert and dedication, check out this slideshow: