Gala benefits Marion Garden Group

Jul 19, 2019

MARION — Supporters of the Marion Garden Group came together at the home of Liz and Josiah Hatch to socialize, eat, drink, and compete in a backyard golf tournament to raise funds for beatification projects in the town. The Gala style event took place on Thursday, July 18 from 4 to 7 p.m.

Vice president of the Marion Garden Group said that proceeds from the event will fund the group's upcoming efforts to beautify the town.

Last year’s fundraiser supported projects to place a “Welcome to Marion” sign, island gardens on Spring Street and Converse Road, and place ten self-watering planters throughout the town. Hatch said that five planters will be added this year. Other 2019 goals for the group include a garden at Silvershell Beach, and a new town message sign.

In addition to wine and hors d'oeuvres, guests had the opportunity to compete in a closest-to-the-pin golf tournament in the Hatch’s backyard. Taylor Hatch and Ben Sudduth scored the event. Guests were given three swings for $10. At the end of the night,  the person who landed a ball closest to the flag was awarded a $100 gift card donated by Marion Sport Shop.

Sudduth is a neighbor of the Hatch family, and said that his father taught him to play golf when he was just five years old. 

Public figures, including Town Administrator James McGrail, Selectmen Randy Parker, Norman Hills and John Waterman, and Children’s Librarian of the Taber Library, Rosemary Grey all attended the Gala to show support for the Marion Garden Group. 

After competing in the golf tournament, McGrail said that the group is important because its members “actually put their blood, sweat, and tears into the community,” through their hands-on efforts to improve the town.

Brendon Bergeron, of Rochester, gave guests rides to and from the Hatches’ home, and event parking space on Allens Point Road. Despite the rain, he said he was impressed with the event’s turnout, which he estimated was nearly double that of the first fundraiser gala last year.