Medbrook's Summer Ending Extravaganza Featuring Woodstock Summer of Love Theme is Saturday Night at Bridgeport Conference Center
By Julie Perine on August 22, 2019 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
Twenty years ago, Dr. Kelly Nelson founded the Medbrook Children’s Charity Golf Classic. To date, the annual event has raised more than $2 million.
Eight years ago, Nelson decided to host a second major event – a post-summer extravaganza with food, drinks and music – giving non-golfers an opportunity to support area kids – who benefit through the charity through several efforts.
Each year, Medbrook’s Summer Ending Extravaganza has a theme. Chair of this year’s event – which takes place Saturday evening at Bridgeport Conference Center – explained how this year’s theme was chosen.
“We were brainstorming and realized it is the 50th anniversary for Woodstock,” said Dr. Jaclyn Rominger, event chair.
So, Woodstock it was; a theme which would provide for prime costume opportunities and fun. The Woodstock “Summer of Love” idea has gone over big with the public.
“We’ve really hit record numbers this year,” Rominger said. “We have 32 tables sold, but we could probably squeeze in one more.”
A table of eight sells for $2,000 and that price is an all-inclusive one.
“It is open bar and all you can eat all evening,” she said. “The good thing about this event is you buy the table and there’s nothing else to pay for, no auction, no hidden costs.”
The night will start with a 5-7 p.m. pre-party featuring funky Woodstock music and cigar bar. Dinner will be served at 7 p.m. with music by a DC-based Motown Band at 8:30 p.m.
"They were at our event last year and are an amazing group,” Rominger said.
Woodstock-style dress is encouraged and tie dye shirts will be provided for those who choose to get in Woodstock mode upon arriving at the event.
“It is such a fun event. It’s really a blast,” Rominger said.
Nelson is thrilled with the organization of this year’s event.
“Talk about superstars. Johnnie and Jaclyn (Rominger) are stud and studette. They are wonderful,” he said. “Woodstock is a really cool theme; a chance for us to celebrate the 50th anniversary of a really remarkable period of American history and Segway into raising money for locally underprivileged children.”
That is what Medbrook Children’s Charity is all about.
“We love our party, but we love our purpose more. Marrying that party with our purpose is a great thing,” he said. “The more people who know about the charity, the more people who can give and more kids can be served.”
Those who are interested in grabbing up the last few spots available can call Rominger at 304-677-9429.
Medbrook Children’s Charity serves area children through the School Nurses’ Discretionary Fund, allowing nurses to assist children in need with minor medical problems that might otherwise cause their families economic hardship; the Children’s Apparel Program, providing funding to every Harrison County school to be used to purchase clothing and shoes. The organization also supports the Genesis Youth Crisis Center, The Clarksburg Mission, The Clarksburg League for Service and The Greater Clarksburg 10K, encouraging children to exercise and be proactive in their health. Medbrook Children’s Charity also provide free sports physicals to local students regardless of socioeconomic status. The charity has provided the annual service for more than 20 years - performing more than 40,000 free physicals to local student athletes.
