The fundraising event leaves attendees with a taste of Mullica Hill and hometown pride
Native residents and newcomers alike are invited to get a “taste of Mullica Hill” at the annual Summer Soiree on Sunday, Aug. 13.
The event, hosted by Harrison Township Beautification, is held at the historic Spicer House, the most historic home in Mullica Hill and residence of local attorney Jeffrey Downs, according to Committee Chair Pat Settar.
Each year, the committee holds its only fundraising event to raise money for beautifying Mullica Hill’s historic downtown. Beginning at 4 p.m., friends, neighbors and local businesses gather in the “meticulous” gardens and gazebo at Downs’s home to socialize, eat and drink.
“For me, their property is a magical place that showcases the best a historic property in Mullica Hill can be,” Mayor Louis Manzo said. “Any resident that hasn’t experienced it should take the opportunity to attend, and also be treated to the wonderful food offerings of Mullica Hill. It’s like a food tasting frenzy.”
The $40 tickets include food and cocktails from numerous restaurants and merchants in Mullica Hill, with 100 percent of the proceeds allocated to seasonal planting of flowers in the Main Street urns, decorative banners, benches and more.
“A lot of people make the decision to buy here because the downtown is so quaint,” Settar said. “It’s everybody’s Main Street, it’s our historic downtown; they like it to look nice.”
According to Settar, the rain or shine event has grown from an attendance of 15 to 20 people, to their largest event to date last year with 85 guests. She said the fundraiser is often referred to as “the social event of the year,” and expects to surpass last year’s record turnout.
“People ask about it, they look forward to it,” Settar said. “When else do you get a mix of old timers and newcomers? Being in the gorgeous garden atmosphere, it’s what Main Street is all about.”
Tickets are available for purchase at www.harrison-twp-beautification.ticketleap.com. For more information, visit the committee’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/HTBeautify, email [email protected], or call Settar at (856) 297–5790.
“It’s an event where everybody feels good about doing something for their community,” Settar said. “It’s hometown pride.”
