Following the delicious December buffet lunch, the ballroom suddenly erupted with cheering and the thunder of elfin feet. Dozens of Santa’s helpers ran to the front of the room past members who were seated at tables on which elves, who had left their shelves with the help of Sue McCoy, were perched. The performance by students of the North Fort Myers Academy for the Arts (NFMAA) has become the much-anticipated annual Christmas program for the Socialites.
The lively singing and dancing elves brought with them a chorus that sang a cappella. This year’s performance also included a solo vocalist and a violin and a viola player. The Russian dancers, who had been part of the academy’s 16th annual performance of The Nutcracker Suite at the Barbara B. Mann, were a new addition to the Socialites program.
These talented elves and their fellow musicians, singers, and dancers are K through 8th grade students of the NFMAA. The NFMAA is a public school, but it depends on extra financial support through its foundation to provide the facilities the students and teachers need to pursue the arts. The Socialites organization is proud to be a member of the Friends of NFMAA.
This December meeting of the Socialites began with a welcome by President Donna Moffatt and an announcement by Finney Noffsinger that The Angel Tree Committee has arranged for many gifts. She expressed thanks to those who continue to contribute. Bev Groft added her appreciation for the members’ generosity and reported this month’s donation to the All Souls outreach program totaled $596.
The next Socialites luncheon is Jan. 20. Program Chairman Rhonda Parkinson announced the theme would be an Asian New Year celebration.
