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Costume party seeks to raise funds for MSO

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By Rick McCrabb, Staff Writer Updated 9:51 PM Tuesday, October 25, 2011

MIDDLETOWN — As executive director of the Middletown Community Foundation, T. Duane Gordon typically is the one distributing money.

Now, he’s raising money.

Gordon and Elizabeth Lolli, superintendent of Monroe Local Schools, are competing for the right to direct the Middletown Symphony Orchestra at its Nov. 19 concert at Breiel Boulevard Church of God.

The one who raises the most money — every penny is donated to the symphony — will hold the baton for one song.

When asked his fundraising goal, Gordon said sheepishly: “One more dollar than Libbie.”

He wouldn’t disclose how much he has raised at his two previous events, but he said his amount is “in line, if not more, than previous years.”

Gordon hopes to raise a lot more dollars at his costume party Saturday night at BeauVerre/Riordan Stained Glass Studio, 1054 Central Ave., Middletown.

Gordon, whose theme is “Flash Gordon,” after the popular comic book character and TV show, said he purchased an authentic “Flash Gordon” outfit off the Internet to wear to the party.

He said some of the city’s leaders, because of their costume selections, will make “fools of themselves” and certain wives have picked out surprise costumes for their husbands.

Gordon said all costumes are acceptable, but he’s hoping for a super hero or comic book theme.

He called the costume party “something fun.”

Gordon said he hasn’t been surprised by what he called “peoples’ love of this community and for the cultural gifts the symphony gives.”

Gordon’s two other fund raisers were a car hop night at The Jug and a beer and wine tasting.

Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2842 or rmccrabb@coxohio.com.

How to go

What: Halloween costume party benefit for Middletown Symphony Orchestra

When: 7 p.m. to midnight Saturday

Where: BeauVerre/Riordan Stained Glass Studio, 1054 Central Ave., Middletown

How much: $50 per person.

Call: (513) 425-7312

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