Star Island’s sense of community was evident on the eve of the Island’s opening as nearly two dozen Pels volunteered their time to put on the first ever off-island banquet to raise money for the Annual Fund. And when it was over, the Annual Fund had nearly $9,000 more.

The event at South Church in Portsmouth on July 21 was as close to the traditional Friday night Star Island banquet as you could get without being on the island. There was social hour—with wonderful hot and cold hors d’oeuvres and festive sparkling cider—the traditional family style steak dinner with a vegetarian option and an unforgettable Pel Show.

And for over 100 guests and volunteers, it was a time of celebration because the first of the Island’s 2007 guests were to arrive the next day.

Like others in the Star community, the Pels wanted to do something to help the Island. And in just two weeks, they put together a banquet that will live in the memory of the Shoalers who attended.

A family from the International Affairs Conference was so inspired that they offered to match banquet donations of $100 or more up to $2,500. And a youngster who attended sold magnets with Star Island photographs she had taken. The nearly $9,000 that was raised included the banquet donations, the matching gift and the money from the sale of the magnets (that went for $3 each).

“I think this event was great and the enthusiasm shown by the Pelicans and the attendees was very uplifting in this turbulent period,” said Ben Kunz, Pelican Club Development Officer and one of the event organizers.

Pennants on the banquet tables proclaimed “U will come back!” With this sense of community, how can it be otherwise!