By Ed Karvoski Jr., Contributing Writer
Shrewsbury – Patrons of the arts attended Rockin’ Wonderland, a first-time fundraiser benefitting the Shrewsbury Schools Music/Theatre Association (SSMA), held Jan. 30 at SAC Park. Celebrating its 60th year, SSMA is a nonprofit organization providing support to music and theatre education in the Shrewsbury Public Schools.
Musical entertainment was provided by Tension, a band comprised of five Shrewsbury residents who have been volunteering to perform rock classics at fundraisers for 12 years.
Guests enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and desserts while bidding on silent auction items. Among the 60 donated items were an autographed photo of New England Patriots football defensive tackle Vince Wilfork, two tickets to the sold-out concert of Foo Fighters at Fenway Park, a behind-the scenes tour for 10 of SportsCenter at the ESPN Studio, and two tickets to see comedian Jay Leno at the Providence Performing Arts Center.
Adding a local flavor, an item offered was an autographed shirt donated by the cast of the West Coast tour of “Elf: the Musical” including Nick Silverio, a 2013 Shrewsbury High School alum.
Also, 20 guests went home with door prizes.
SSMA President George Smith credited the efforts of the event committee members Allison Berkley, Tony Copas, Helen Hummer, Andrea and David Lowey, and LuAnn O’Brien.
For more information about SSMA, visit myssma.com.
Photos/Ed Karvoski, Jr.