RUMFORD — Mountain Valley High School alumni came from near and far to organize and perform at a benefit for the Muskie Auditorium. The auditorium was severely damaged by a leaking roof during the spring.

They set a goal of $1300. With a spaghetti dinner, Chinese auction and musical show, the alumni exceeded their own expectations and earned $1605.

Organizer and Class of 2012 alumna Ashleigh Milligan credited more than just the alumni. It was truly a community event.

She said, “The American Legion worked with us and donated the spaghetti dinner and hall for the benefit. The local Rumford Professional Fire Department 1601 donated $100 towards a basket. Many businesses also contributed products, gift certificates and baskets for the Chinese auction.”

Trendsetters, Island Indulgence, Johnson’s Auto Repair, Sue Adley owner Hair Designs and Mountain Pool Service helped with items for the auction. The MVHS Boosters donated a gift basket of MVHS apparel.

Milligan continued her gratitude; “I also want to thank the alumni who helped put on the show, performed and made items for the Chinese auction, and everyone who came out to show their support towards the MVHS auditorium.”

She said, “The highlight of the night was seeing how many people from the community showed up to support such a great cause. A lot of us worked hard to put on a great fundraiser.”

According to Milligan, it was the largest crowd the Legion served at a dinner and the show was packed with an audience until the very end at midnight.

A member of the Class of 2010, Bernard Sanabria sang solo and with a few friends. His solo was “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday” by Boyz II Men.

Sanabria, Alysha Laurinaitis (Class of 2010) and Aimee Bumby (Class of 2011) joined voices for an a cappella mashup of “Winter Wonderland” and “Don’t Worrry, Be Happy” by Pentatonix.

“I enjoyed all the performers,” Sanabria said. “I loved the fact that so many people showed up and helped support what was going on.”

Laurinaitis, with Jamie Haynes and Jared Moody, wrote and performed an original song for the benefit titled “Save the Music.”

She was also impressed with the support from the community and fellow MVHS graduates.

Lauinaitis said, “There was a huge turn out! I couldn’t be more proud of all the performers for getting together and using our talents to raise money and awareness for the MVHS auditorium and arts program.”

Not all the performers were alumni.

Junior Ronnie Russell, sophomore Travis Palmer and senior Jacob Simard joined talents as the band Muskie. Senior Matthew Baptiste and Chris Baptiste (Class of 2014) performed alongside alumni Tyler Smith and Andrew Phelps as the band Among the Shadows.

Other entertainers included Brittany Desgrosseilliers with Frank Parsons, Brandon LeCours and Mark Garrido. Garrido also performed with his band, Middle Street.

After an intermission, Dylan Mawhinney, and Alexa Fryover took the stage. Troy Pingree performed with Kyle Lee. Alex Witas and finally Milligan had their turns at the microphone.

Presented with the proceeds, Principal Matt Gilbert said, “I’m very proud of what these graduates and students have accomplished. It shows that they’ve taken a lot of the lessons we’ve talked about giving back. They really put them into action.”

“I can’t believe how much support they’ve given the school, the music department and community. This shows the community spirit that our students have, not just while in school but after they graduate!”