PBA’s First Karaoke Scholarship Fundraiser
PBA’s First Karaoke Scholarship Fundraiser Raised Money and the Roof
By Judy Stearns
The participants at the first Purcellville Business Association (PBA) Karaoke Night Scholarship Fundraiser knocked the socks off everyone. Seasoned singers, first time singers, groups and solos brought the 110 people in attendance to their feet dancing and singing along. The event held at the Blue Ridge Eagles in Purcellville on March 13 raised $1,200 towards the PBA’s scholarship fund for selected graduating seniors from Loudoun Valley and Woodgrove High Schools.
This event was conceived and driven by PBA President Jim Bowman no slouch himself at singing; for this evening it was “Mustang Sally.” Katelyn Chapman got a standing ovation since she really knows how to belt out a song (“Tonight the Heartache’s on Me”) and good sport, Purcellville Town Council member Patrick McConville, not only sang “I’ve got Friends in Low Places” with the accompaniment of the crowd but played some mean air guitar. Fifteen groups/solos performed that also included some government officials who had great fun with it; Clerk of the Court Gary Clemens, Commissioner of the Revenue Bob Wertz (he sang “Tax Man”) and the combo of Town Manager Rob Lohr and Assistant Town Manager Patrick Childs who gave a spirited version of the Blues Brothers “Soul Man.”
People were thrilled to be able to sing into a microphone (in front of a friendly crowd) for maybe the first time. Kurt Schneid of Spin City from Purcellville really got into it and was a highlight himself. The singers were sponsored through the generosity of Loudoun businesses many in Purcellville. The Eagles’s cover charge was only $5 that included one free drink and tasty appetizers. Their cooperation and participation made it an evening to talk about and relive for days to come. Blue Ridge Eagles is located in Purcellville at 120 E O St, down behind Magnolias. To find out more about this non-profit organization, what they do for the community and how to join, go to Blue Ridge Eagles.
