AVON —Avon Town Hall was filled with community spirit on Sunday, Nov. 10, as residents gathered for the Breakfast-Brunch Palooza, a benefit breakfast to raise funds for North Carolina hurricane relief. Organized by local nonprofits and businesses, the event drew a full crowd, with attendees enjoying breakfast, music, and a range of festivities in support of hurricane recovery efforts.
Recent hurricanes in North Carolina have caused widespread damage, with severe flooding, high winds, and storm surges impacting coastal and inland communities. Thousands of homes and businesses have been damaged or destroyed, displacing many residents. The storms disrupted power and infrastructure, leaving some areas without essential services.
The idea for the fundraiser originated from Mary Dunham of Phillips Community Church, who reached out to Susy Sanders, event organizer and founder of Wonderfest Productions. “It started with Mary Dunham messaging me. She said, ‘You need to do a benefit concert in your backyard for North Carolina,’” Sanders explained. “Mary knows that I put on big events.” Given the season and that her venue was still under construction, Sanders opted for the Avon Town Hall as an ideal location. “Mary had a fabulous idea, but my indoor venue isn’t finished yet, and the backyard would be too cold,” Sanders said. “So, I rented the Avon Town Hall as it is nearby our home in Phillips.”
Sanders quickly enlisted the help of her friends, including Tom Saviello of The Mercantile and Martha Sylvestre from Bear Belly Tap and Table. “Together, the four of us decided to make it be a breakfast brunch,” she said. Sylvestre and her team crafted a diverse menu that featured ham, waffles, fruit cups, hot coffee, and cider, alongside vegan options such as potato and tofu dishes, veggie sausages, and grilled tomatoes. “Yes, I always try to include vegan dishes for all of my fundraising events. It is a mainstream choice,” Sanders noted.
Entertainment was central to the event’s appeal, with local musicians Crooked Bill and The Merry Plinksters performing for the crowd. “We chose Crooked Bill, Michael Worthley’s trio, as they play the folk music of the hills, joining us to the people affected in North Carolina,” Sanders shared. “And the Merry Plinksters because they always bring a smile.” A highlight of the day included a hula dance performance during one of the songs, adding a unique touch to the benefit.
“The Merry Plinksters are always thrilled; and in fact honored, to participate in events like this that speak to the resilience, kindness, generosity and joy of what community means to us,” said one of the Plinksters, Michael Burd. “This event was no exception.”
The event also included a quilt raffle, providing an additional fundraising opportunity. Sanders emphasized the importance of the community’s role in the event’s success. “People can expect a good time, great food, wonderful music, and visiting with friends near and far as we raise funds for those people affected,” she said.
Proceeds from the breakfast will be directed to organizations supporting hurricane recovery in North Carolina. “It is of the utmost importance that we get the money into the hands of the people as directly as possible,” Sanders explained. Saviello, who attended the benefit, is helping to determine which nonprofit organization will receive the donations.
For those who couldn’t attend, donations are still welcome. “Anyone can donate. You don’t have to be at the breakfast,” Sanders said. Contributions are being accepted through the Congregational Church Phillips UCC, helping to extend the reach of the community’s support to those in need.
