Feaste and Frolic event generates sholarships for 10 students

September 16, 2008

Funds raised from the Elizabethtowne Feaste and Frolic event Saturday will generate 10 $2,500 scholarships to be awarded in the spring of 2009 for students who are enrolled in programs at the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown (USMH) to use in the fall 2010 semester.

"We are extremely pleased to announce that we have raised these funds. With a high percentage of students attending higher education institutions in Washington County requiring financial assistance, the need for scholarships is tremendous," said David Warner, USMH executive director.

In its second year, the Renaissance-themed event began at Duffy's with a reception and a dinner of Renaissance-inspired fare. Following dinner, a knight on horseback and the "Pied Piper," portrayed by flutist Morgan Jenkins, led guests to The Maryland Theatre, where they were greeted by a town crier, played by local performer Jay Frantz. The town crier rang his bell to announce entertainment acts throughout the evening.

The entertainment featured sword fighters, musicians and others. Amid the ongoing musical and theatrical entertainment, guests, using "funny money" played games of chance provided by the local Exchange Club.

"The planning committee chose the Renaissance theme since many have said that USMH has served as the catalyst for the renaissance in downtown Hagerstown," said Warner.

He said "community support of this event is significant and is greatly appreciated. If the level of support continues, we are on schedule to award additional scholarships in 2011 when the Waltersdorf/Henson challenge grant funds will fully be matched. The additional scholarships will then be distributed from interest the fund has generated."

Warner said, "This year it was decided that all the proceeds from the Elizabethtowne Feaste and Frolic would be deposited into a separate fund allowing scholarships to be given this spring."

All proceeds from this year's event benefited the University System of Maryland at Hagerstown Scholarship Fund, a fund of the Community Foundation of Washington County Maryland, Inc.

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