By AMY DAVIS
Moapa Valley Progress
The Virgin Valley High School Drill Team, aka VVettes, hosted a Paint Night fundraiser on Tuesday evening, Oct. 10, at Virgin Valley High School. Local ladies from Mesquite gathered ready to take up a paint brush in an attempt to paint a Halloween themed “sexy witch” under careful instruction of an artist/instructor.
Participants were eager to be artists for the night. They were offered pink lemonade and an assortment of pastries and cookies by the VVettes before they found their seats. Easel, canvas and an assortment of paintbrushes were arranged at each seating area.
“We really appreciate the community support,” said VVettes assistant coach Denise Houston. “We had a great turn out tonight!”
Seventeen women of all ages paid a fee to participate in the event and to help the team.
The VVettes were hoping to raise $750 to buy new costumes for a dance titled, “Hero” that will be performed on the court during the VVHS Basketball Season. The team hoped that this paint night activity would be a great way for participants to create fun memories.
“This was a lot of fun!” said Sharon Newell, an avid paint night attender. “Painting the witch wasn’t as hard as I thought it was going to be.”
Erica Garrett, head coach of the VVettes agreed. “I am not an artist by any means and our teacher made this a lot of fun! This night was so well run by YAYmaker. Jiffy (the artist) is a fabulous instructor. She took all of the intimidation out of the project. This was a very relaxing and pleasant evening.”
Brandi Anderson, a recent transplant to Mesquite added, “Jiffy made this painting so easy by breaking down the witch’s body into shapes. It was a great night.”
Jiffy Yaets is one of the artists who works for the company YAYMaker. Owner, JJ Seare, provides paint night events for Mesquite, St. George and Cedar City. In St. George, they have paint nights almost every day of the week.
The VVettes fell a little short of their $750 goal but again, Coach Erica Garrett wants to thank the community for all of their support.
Denise Houston said continued fundraising support is appreciated. The team is selling bracelets and tickets to the athletic banquet with one of the prizes being a possible seven day cruise. Contact Virgin Valley High School for more information about these opportunities.
