Islanders were swept up in the colorful, fun and energetic fundraising event that showcased the local schools’ orchestra and brought community members together on the afternoon of March 6.

Sharon Singh, president of the Mercer Island Orchestra Boosters, was beaming while describing the special gathering a few days later and noted that they raised almost $14,000 for the orchestra at the Disney and Dessert Fundraising Event in the Mercer Island High School Commons.

Singh — who dressed as Snow White and emceed the event — said the happening was put on hold for the last two years due to the pandemic and people were anticipating its return. About 300 guests were present, along with nearly 160 high-school and middle-school orchestra performers, and the event was live streamed so relatives across the country could experience the music-filled atmosphere. Singh’s parents tuned in from Australia while sipping their cups of tea.

“The kids, they were all so excited to be back. Everybody was just smiling, everybody was happy. So many people came up to me afterwards. People I didn’t know: old, young, men, women, people were coming up and saying, ‘Thank you for this.’ It was great,” Singh said of the positive, feel-good event.

Attendees were required to wear masks and a door was cracked open to provide a flow of fresh air into the commons.

With the majority of the musicians donning Disney attire, including some in costumes, they entered the commons together to launch the event while playing “It’s a Small World” simultaneously. As the event progressed, the musicians peeled off into separate groups to further entertain the crowd.

First-time event planner Singh feels that the orchestra is growing and thriving on the Island and credits middle-school director Sarah Hart for leading the way.

Longtime Mercer Island orchestra director Vicki White-Miltun participated in her final Disney and Dessert event and will be retiring at the end of the school year after 46 years teaching on the Island.

White-Miltun received a standing ovation at the event and many of her former students were present to watch their own children perform under the director’s guidance.

“This year’s D&D was amazing. Everyone was so excited to see a real community event with wonderful music, joy, great costumes, little kids in the tutus and tiaras, bright colors. I was overcome with the response. I will remember this for many years,” she said.

The funds for the orchestra were raised by ticket sales, Disney sponsors and cupcake sponsors and a silent auction.

In a true community effort, siblings Neil Pandya, 13, and Shaivi Pandya, 8, of N & S Balloons supplied the balloon arch leading the way into the commons, and Mercer Island High School PTSA co-president Debbie Burke made cupcakes to go along with Cameron Randall’s cookies. The Disney-themed treats were placed in clear-sealed containers and given to guests as they exited the event.

Mercer Island school orchestra members embrace the day’s theme while performing at the Disney and Dessert Fundraising Event on March 6 in the Mercer Island High School commons. Photo courtesy of Bao-Tran Nguyen

Brother-and-sister combo Logan and Summer Herzinger don their Mickey Mouse and Cinderella costumes at the Disney and Dessert Fundraising Event. Photo courtesy of Sharon Singh