Music and fun at Kremen scholarship drive
By NYRIE KARKAZIAN
Elvis Prestly was “All Shook Up,” during his performance at a benefit for the Kremen School of Education last Friday night.
Fresno’s best entertainers were invited to the Tower Theater to perform for a scholarship fundraiser hosted by alumni and friends of the School of Education.
Master of ceremonies Jim Schlievert opened the night, appropriately titled “An Evening at the Tower,” by introducing the Bach Boychoir and the Cantate Girlchoir, which sang an assortment of patriotic songs.
They were followed by a beautiful piano performance by Leonard A. Heifitz, who gracefully played pieces by Chopin and Duke Ellington.
Dexter the Magician, master of the mysterious, gave an enchanting performance combiningcomedy, magic and mind-reading. Bob Bergthold and his band played classics, such as “The Way You Look Tonight.”
Jeremy Pearce closed the night with his spectacular Elvis impersonation, singing hits like “That’s Alright Mama,” “Heartbreak Hotel,” and “Fever,” as he wiped off his sweat with bright red scarves and threw them to the starstruck women in the crowd.
“Tell everyone at Fresno State The King says hello,” Pearce said.
A champagne reception was provided during intermission with desserts compliments of DeBas chocolate.
The main contributor of the night was the Educational Employees Credit Union, which donated $5,000 to the event. The Fresno County Office of Education also made a donation by paying for all of the printing.
Lloyd Wamhof, chair of the fundraising committee of the school of education alumni chapter, said the annual event was a success. He also said the fundraising is progressing as they move along, and they are happy to see such extensive support.
“People can come and see all we are doing,” Wamhof said.
Along with the benefit, the alumni chapter had put on an auction to raise funds earlier this year, which raised more than $7,000. Wamhof also said they started building an endowment three years ago and have about $33,000 so far. Within the next year, $2,500 scholarships will be given out to two Fresno State students.
The fundraiser attracted more than 200 people and ended with a speech by Schlievert.
“The kids are long in bed, Len Heifitz with his piano is silent, Bob Bergthold has crooned his last ballad, Dexter the magician has disappeared and Elvis has left the building,” Schlievert said.
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