Gordon in the News: last updated 10/22/2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 22, 2009
MEDIA CONTACT
Jo Kadlecek
Office of College Communications
978.867.4752
[email protected]
WENHAM, MA—Given the tight economy, Gordon College recently planned an inexpensive evening of quality entertainment for the whole family. The cost? Pay what you can. Or pay with a can—of food that is. It was all part of the College’s new annual event for the community called 255 Grapevine, which serves as both the location and title for the benefit show.
255 Grapevine: An Evening with An Address and A Certain Zip—the newest part of Gordon’s homecoming festivities—was held Saturday, October 10, at 7:30 p.m. and included 90 minutes of outstanding music, comedy and storytelling. With acts that ranged from stomp dance, Broadway parodies and country western songs to Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture and The Wiz, the evening showcased both professional and amateur talent from Gordon’s faculty, staff, students and alumni.
Families, students and friends from throughout the North Shore packed the A.J. Gordon Memorial Chapel and brought over 500 canned foods as their admission price, turning the entry to the Chapel into a make-shift food pantry. All canned goods from the event went to the Gloucester Open Door Food Pantry and Acord Food Pantry in Hamilton.
“This was a fun evening that celebrates the community spirit and sacred calling that’s defined our campus in Wenham for more than 50 years,” said mistress of ceremonies Jan Carlberg, wife of Gordon’s President R. Judson Carlberg. “It’s also a wonderful opportunity to remember those in our community who might need both a few laughs and a few cans of food. We appreciate the service our local food pantries provide all year round and wanted to give—no pun intended—what we can.”
Several members of the Gordon College community also offered their talents for the benefit evening through video, readings, ‘commercials,’ an alumni choir and even four pianists playing two grand pianos—at the same time.
“This show was timely on so many levels; it had enough zip to keep you having fun and enough inspiration to keep you warm,” said Norman Jones, professor of theatre arts and director of 255 Grapevine. “The performances came in many shapes, styles, and sounds with some audience participation and some surprises. it was be a great way to spend a Saturday night and a great cause to support.”
At a Glance:
What: 255 Grapevine: An Evening with An Address and A Certain Zip
When: Saturday, October 10, 2009, 7:30 p.m. (Homecoming!)
Where: A. J. Gordon Memorial Chapel (255 Grapevine Road, Exit 17 from Highway 128)
Admission: Pay what you can or bring a can (or two!) of food.
Why: For fun and for the community! All canned food donations will go to Gloucester Open Door and Acord Food Pantry in downtown Hamilton.
For more information on 255 Grapevine, or on contributing to the food pantries, please contact the Office of College Communications at 978.867.4752.
For information on Gordon College’s homecoming events, please see www.gordon.edu/homecoming_familyweekend
