Contributed by Randi Perlman, VCRS Board V.P.
On a fine fall Saturday in late September, at one of the most scenic venues in the Valley, a first-ever event became a magical moment in time and spread joy to all who attended.
The 1st Annual Valley Community for Recycling Solutions (VCRS) Recycle Revival Music Festival at Settlers Bay Golf Course welcomed about 200 people from the Mat-Su, Homer, Anchorage, Denali and from out-of-state as well. Guests were treated to a full day of some of the best music the Valley has to offer from seven fantastic local bands, with a choice of covered/heated seating under the pergola or outdoor seats and blankets around the scattered fire pits. There was food and drink, of course, a silent auction, vendor tables, an education area with “make & take” recyclable arts and crafts, silent auction tables to peruse and kids’ activities, like a bouncy house and face-painting.
This family-oriented, dog-friendly event was the last music festival of another sensational season at Settlers Bay Golf Course, and instantly became a fan-favorite that will be one of their highly-anticipated annual events going forward.
Funds raised at the Recycle Revival Music Fest will support the recently-launched VCRS Sustain Campaign to raise money that will serve as a financial safety-net, covering operations when the markets experience a downturn (as they are right now), as well as when unexpected events occur, such as equipment failures. With its building and new baler, VCRS is ready and able to handle much more cleaned and sorted material than the amount it now collects, so it can meet the demands of the Valley’s rapid growth for years to come, making it a great investment in our community’s economic future as well as its environmental health and beauty!
As many of you know, VCRS long-time executive director and founding member, Mollie Boyer, has recently retired. Throughout her 22 years in that position, Mollie has been the steadfast, determined, passionate face and voice of VCRS, guiding the organization through all of its phases to our permanent location and LEED Gold, fully-equipped and functional building, always keeping the ship on course towards fulfilling its mission and vision. In that same steadfast and determined fashion, Mollie is now battling cancer, responding well to recent surgery and treatments, and teaching her doctors, nurses, and therapists all about proper recycling…!
The outpouring of love and support for Mollie was palpable and clearly evident at the Recycle Revival Music Fest, adding that magical feel to a day of even more than support for the worthy cause of, and growing belief in, recycling. Our new executive director, Steve Brown, was introduced and did a great job juggling the numerous challenges of orchestrating such a large event. In addition to the many VCRS friends and local supporters that turned out, 20 members of Mollie’s large, extended family from around Alaska and the Lower 48 descended upon the event to honor Mollie and her indomitable spirit by dancing as though no one was watching and bidding frequently at the silent auction tables. As Mollie would say, and as they all proved, “Life is an adventure…!”
Thanks to the generous support of our host, sponsors, bands, attendees, donors and volunteers, $13,000 was raised for the VCRS Sustain Campaign, causing Mollie to flash one of her larger-than-life smiles.
Plans are already in the works to make next year’s Recycle Revival even more incredible and well-attended, and of course, we hope Mollie can be there to dance with us.
Please SAVE THE DATE of Saturday, September 26, 2020 and plan to join us as we celebrate recycling in the Mat-Su Valley, in Alaska, and around the world. Feel free to share this information far and wide.
*THIS IS TRULY A MUSIC FESTIVAL FOR THE LONG-TERM GOOD OF ALL…!*
