(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- On Friday, March 13th from 4:00p.m.- 11:00p.m., Mater Dei Prep's Memorial Hall will be transformed into a festival grounds. SeraphFest 2015 will host dozens of musicians, poets and creative arts vendors. There will also be chances to win a variety of items, including gift baskets, SeraphFest gear, and even an IPOD Air. Tickets are $20 at the door, and all of the proceeds from this gala event will benefit the Seraph's Fund.
"This is a student-run fundraiser that will help save the school, and it's a good way to hear great music, too," said Benj Ardolino, a MDP senior. He and the other students are spreading the word about SeraphFest by taking to social media pages, word of mouth, hanging posters in local businesses, and selling advance tickets in a collective effort to raise money to save their beloved high school. The Mater Dei community received word that their school would be closing on February 3. The students refused to accept that decision, and the fundraising began immediately. In just 30 days over $633, 000 of the one million dollar goal has been raised. With just over a month left to raise the rest, fundraising efforts are in high gear. Alumni pledges are rolling in, and many different fundraising events are in the works, including a 3-on-3 basketball event on 3/14, and the Save the Seraphs Gala and Gift Auction featuring Joe Rapolla on March 21st at the Shore Casino in Atlantic Highlands.
Behind the scenes of SeraphFest are the MDP Director of Performing Arts Cindy Dwyer and Mater Dei alumna Chelsea Palermo. Mrs. Dwyer, who has taught music and drama at Mater Dei for 25 years, and Ms. Palermo, who is the founder and director of the Ministry of Artistic Intent, are working together to get SeraphFest 2015 off the ground and ensure it will be a success for the school. "We wanted to create a music and arts event that was designed and run primarily by the students, and teach them they can make a difference," Palermo said. Mrs. Dwyer agreed, adding "We also wanted an event that would appeal to all ages, and I especially like the fact that our performers range in age from teens to adult, with some alumni performers that graduated as far back as the 70s."
There will be an amazing assortment of music at SeraphFest. Among the performers are a number of local bands, including: Corrina, Corrina, winners of the 2014 Asbury Park Music Awards "Best Band Under 21" category; Baby Seals; The Machines, and Downstream, to list just a few. There are also a number of alumni performers from the local scene, including Jamie Coppa, Glen Holck, Chip Robertson, and the Magic Taxis (with alums Jeff Pilgrim and Van Paulson), and more. And some current MD students will appear in the line-up as well, such as senior poet Krysten Krulik, junior Christina Buzzanco and her band No Reason, senior Joe Walsh and his band Turnpike Kids, and more. "I think it's awesome that so many bands are willing to spend their time doing something for our school. That means so much to all of us," said MDP sophomore Jaclyn Whelan.
More information about "Save the Seraphs" can be found at www.Seraphfund.org . And further information about the performers, and vendors can be found at www.MAIntent.org
