A Fundraiser From the 50's

Details: Created on Friday, 19 October 2012 17:59; Written by Joseph Peters

50s Drive In ST. JOHNSBURY - Leather jackets. Classic cars. Root beer floats. No, we're not talking about things associated with the movie "Grease." It was Thursday night at the St. Johnsbury Town School, where a 50's- and 60's-themed "Drive-Thru Diner" was raising money for the school's music program.

"We just wanted to provide an experience for our students as well as the community," said Nicole Bradford, the general music and choral teacher at the school. "It was mutually beneficial."

Monies raised by the fundraiser will go toward the students' year-end trip to Boston, where students will attend "Tuck Everlasting," a Broadway show making its debut in Boston. It's an attempt to introduce the students to a bit of big-city culture.

As for the bit of 50's culture that was on display Thursday night, those in attendance seemed to be enjoying themselves. And the number of people in attendance far exceeded the expectations of fundraiser organizers.

"We guessed a random number, and we thought two hundred and fifty people would show up or so," said Jason Saetta, the school's band teacher. "I'm glad we did sell out, but I wish we had more now, because people are still coming in to get food and we'd love to help them out and serve them, but we can't."

Even though they sold out of food, the students far surpassed their fundraising goal of $1,000.

"Next year, hopefully, we have more food and stuff," Saetta said. "Prepare for a bigger group."