East Mt. Airy Neighbors raises $3,000 during weekend fundraising dance

Live music and Hors d’oeuvres brought Mt. Airy residents to the Gathering Place at 6755 Germantown Avenue for the annual East Mt. Airy Neighbors (EMAN) fundraiser Swing into Summer. EMAN’s Executive Director Elayne Bender was happy to see members of her community enjoying each other’s company.

“It’s always nice to have a fundraiser that gathers community members socially and doesn’t focus on a problem,” said Bender.

Live jazz provided by Grammy-nominated Tim Warfield Jr. had about 75 people grooving at the Gathering Place. Eighth District Councilwoman Cindy Bass stopped by the party. Bass is a past president of EMAN.

While Bender was pleased with the turnout, she wished to see more faces at EMAN’s monthly meetings.

“Attendance is down for all non-profits, but we still do our best to provide everything we can for the community. It’d be nice to see some of these faces more often,” said Bender.

Enjoying the music was 80 year-old Mt. Airy resident Elvira Evans. Despite her age, Elvira is still pleased to be active with the community and EMAN. “I may not be as mobile as I used to be, but I’m still moving,” said Elvira with a smile “I just enjoying being able to help people and I’m glad East Mt. Airy Neighbors has been able to help me.”

Currently EMAN is teaming up with West Mt. Airy Neighbors (WMAN) and the Philadelphia Police to try and put an end to graffiti that has been popping up throughout the neighborhood. Bender believes this cooperation benefits all of Mt. Airy.

“Teaming up with other non-profits to address things like the graffiti is something we’re doing that benefits the community and let’s people know we are here for them,” said Bender.

To get more people aware of EMAN President Kent Reichert is brainstorming new ways to interact with the residents of the community.

“We’re working on trying satellite board meetings, trying to get people involved that way, ” said Reichert “That way we can get away from out home-base and learn what people concerns are and what we can do for them.”

Reichert was pleased with Saturday’s fundraiser and the support the community showed. He said the volunteers and donations helped raise close to $3,000 for EMAN.