Harmony in Action: The Debut of Music in Bloom
The inaugural Music in Bloom event has officially become a cherished memory, and the excitement from that evening continues to resonate with us. A gathering of 86 individuals from five different churches was nothing short of remarkable. The event's seamless execution felt like a result of divine orchestration. Following a smaller, yet profoundly impactful gathering in Minnesota last fall, hosted at a previous board member's home, we were inspired. That evening, around two dozen attendees were united through worship music, testimonies, and the sharing of coffee and desserts. Captivated by the warmth and community spirit of that event, we were eager to recreate a similar experience in Florida.
Originally, we envisioned an event of comparable size. However, as Sandy Gillespie and I began organizing, it became clear that the event was destined to evolve into something far greater. Mark Seitter's agreement to oversee the music was just the beginning. Before long, Mark had nine musicians lined up to perform ten pieces across a variety of musical instruments. The realization that we needed more space than a living room could offer was immediate.
A fortunate encounter with Tom Phillips from Eau Gallie First Baptist Church, during a sailing trip, proved to be serendipitous. His introduction to Pastor Matt led us to our venue. Sandy's suggestion to name the event Music in Bloom marked the beginning of a flurry of organizational activities, culminating in a memorable evening.
The performances by the musicians were indeed soul stirring. Sandy, alongside several volunteers, curated a delightful array of hors d'oeuvres. The evening was beautifully interspersed with musical performances and heartfelt testimonies about the impact of ASON. Ellen Abramson, Judy Baldwin, and I shared personal stories, each lasting around ten minutes.
We are immensely grateful for the financial contributions, the children sponsored, and the sale of over two dozen Bolga Baskets, which were a standout hit. The primary impact of the evening, coupled with the anticipated ripple effects, promises to significantly contribute to ASON's long-term growth. The overwhelming success and joy derived from this event have inspired us to make Music in Bloom an annual tradition.
Our heartfelt thanks to Mark Seitter, and all of the Musicians, as well as all the volunteers who prepared food and contributed to the event's organization. Sandy Gillespie, in particular, deserves special recognition for her exceptional coordination efforts, including the catering and garnering support from local businesses. We also wish to express our gratitude to Eau Gallie First Baptist Church for their hospitality and cooperation throughout the planning and execution stages. Additionally, we are thankful for the financial support from local businesses: Publix of Rockledge, Lowe's of Rockledge, Walmart of Viera, The Produce Place of Suntree, and Kim Lyons Photography. Your support played a crucial role in the event's success.
As the echoes of our inaugural Music in Bloom still linger in our hearts, we are thrilled to announce that the wheels are already in motion for the second annual event in 2025. Riding on the wave of success and the positive impact of this year's gathering, our team is brimming with ideas and the initial planning steps are underway. We are committed to making next year's Music in Bloom even more memorable and impactful, with the promise of new musical talents, inspiring stories, and community spirit.
