North Rowan Connection to host fundraiser

The men's choir rehearses for '100 Men in Black'.

By Shavonne Potts

spotts@salisburypost.com

North Rowan Connection, a locally based nonprofit organization, is sponsoring an event this weekend to raise money for local scholarships.

The event, “100 Men in Black,” a men’s choir, will perform Saturday at 6 p.m. at Jerusalem Baptist Church, 1570 N. Long St., Salisbury.

North Rowan Connection is a group that was formed in October 2009 and is made up of North Rowan alumni who provide opportunities and resources needed for students in the North Rowan district. The group works to improve the image, character and community support of North Rowan schools.

The nonprofit organization was founded by Chris Sifford, a North Rowan graduate.

“We wanted to do something positive. We want everyone

to gather in a positive way,” said choir director and event coordinator Milton Griffin.

This event is also to let the people know what North Rowan Connection is doing in the community.

They’ve held tutorial programs, a leadership camp, an Easter concert and a fundraiser for Patrick Snider, a North Rowan baseball player who has since lost his battle with testicular cancer.

The event is free and open to the public, however, donations will be accepted.

The choir members have been challenged to raise money for the scholarships, Griffin said.

The choir is made up of local men, also alumni who now live in Winston-Salem, Durham and Charlotte.

The money raised will go toward scholarships for 2011.

“We’re trying to offer six scholarships by May 2011,” Griffin said.

The scholarships, he said, will be about $500 to be used as book stipends. There will be four scholarships given to North Rowan students and two for students in the Rowan-Salisbury School System. Students must attend a community college, two-year or four-year university.

For more information about the fundraiser, contact coordinator Milton Griffin at 704-267-8816.