Beginning under the blazing blue sky and ending under a cool canopy of starlight, the 10th Annual Concert at the Lakes was held on Saturday, July 27 at Santee Lakes. For the last five years, this has been an event partnership between the Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club Foundation and the Santee Lakes Foundation. With over 500 people there to enjoy this year's gala event, three live bands were presented for the very first time. The concert began with the original Country Rock stylings of Shannon Rae and 100-Proof. They got the crowd "Rockin' country style" and were followed by Petty & the Heartshakers, a tribute band for the late Tom Petty. As the twilight began to descend over the lakes, Journey tribute band, DSB came on to rock the night away. Local celebrity, two-time Emmy award winner and SiriusXM 60's host "Shotgun" Tom Kelly emceed the show for the fourth year in a row. Guests were treated to a catered dinner, silent auction and wonderful performances from the three talented bands.
This annual event supports youth programs, scholarships and family recreation. The Santee Lakeside Rotary Foundation uses proceeds to support their Scholars Program, which provides one-on-one mentoring to local high school students and upon their graduation, the student is given a scholarship (including tuition, books, fees, etc.) worth up to $4,000. The Santee-Lakeside Rotary Club is proud of its track record of having helped over 150 students graduate on time with their class. The Santee Lakes Foundation uses proceeds for special projects with in the Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve such as tree planting, shade sails, picnic tables, and Bark Park. Partnerships that have been established over the years with local organizations who help sponsor this event, allow the Santee-Lakeside Rotarians to make an even larger impact on the communities they serve.
