PACE needs $10,000 to get rid of termites, Black Sheep Ceili Band plays benefit concert

Ormond Beach Observer
Neighbors

When PACE School for Girls Volusia Flagler, an Ormond Beach nonprofit that gives at-risk young women an opportunity for a better future through education, counseling, training and advocacy, started their fiscal year July 1, there was $8,000 in the budget alloted for matinence.

So to say that a $10,000 bill for a termite infestation right before the fall semester begins is a little inconvientent, would be a understatement.

"The only way to treat them is to tent the entire building," said Executive Director Lori Richards. "We were able to find a company that will do the tenting the week inbetween the summer and fall semesters so it won't disturb our students."

With not a lot of extra money to spare, PACE is looking to the community to help them raise enough to cover the costs and fix the bug problem in their 89-year-old historic building.

"It's definetly not something we anticipated in the budget," Richards said. "So we're hoping to rally community support. The building is wonderful and historic and we're proud to be stewards of it. These things happen.

PACE has already has some contributions to date. The Black Sheep Ceili Band rasied $600 during a benefit concert at McK's Tavern in Daytona Beach July 29. The band plays concerts to raise money for local charities whenever there is a fifth Friday in the month. Together the Black Sheep have raised over $13,000 for various causes.

"We call ourselves a free grazing musical collaboration," said Ormond Beach resident and band's flute and whistle player, Sally Ann Groody. "We have anywhere from six to 18 musicians during our shows. The charities really speak for themselves. The traditonal Irish music is rich, and the charities are so passionate, if we could marry the two together, then that's a win-win."

PACE is accepting donations up until Aug. 8, the day before the tent goes up. Anyone interested in contributing can donate online by visiting pacecenter.org or finding the link on the school's Facebook page. Be sure to select the "Bye Bye Bugs" project when making your donation.