AMHERST – A retired Long Island social studies teacher, Andrea Battle has only called Amherst home for five years.
But during her brief time in town, Battle, 68, has continued to find avenues to pursue volunteering, just as she did when she helped create the Kiwanis Club of Uniondale and served as the adviser to the Uniondale High School Key Club.
Now president of the Amherst Club, Battle is among those coordinating the club’s second Spring to Life Cabaret, a dinner and music event fundraiser that will benefit 10 area nonprofits.
“We try to give as much as we can to each group,” Battle said. “If we raise $10,000 to $12,000, we give away all of it.”
Featuring a meal catered by Seth Mias, the event will be held at the Hadley Farms Meeting House, 41 Russell St., from 5 to 9 p.m. March 19. Up to 200 tickets, at $75 apiece, will be sold for the cabaret.
Many of those who will receive donations are recipients from the Amherst Club’s previous fundraiser, Love Notes. This year, for the first time, the fundraiser will assist Soldier On, the organization working to get veterans into housing.
Battle said nonprofits submit applications for funding.
“They apply and we have an allocations committee that looks at is it local and does it serve a purpose,” Battle said.
Performers at the banquet will include the Green Street Trio and Friends, with Linda Ransom doing vocals, and the Gypsy Wranglers.
“People love them,” Battle said.
Julie Waggoner, an actress and comedian with the Villa Jidiots comedy improv troupe, will be the emcee.
“We’re getting a little more professional,” Battle said.
Strolling magician Michael Wald will entertain throughout the evening.
“He’s very funny and very good,” Battle said.
A silent auction, coordinated by club member Therese Donahue, will feature gift certificates for restaurants and services, antiques and paintings.
Art work, booklet layout and posters for the event were done by Marah Loft, Battle said.
Club members Jacqueline Price and Barbara Freed and vice president Allen Hanson are also instrumental in making sure the cabaret goes on.
“A lot of people pitch in and help,” Battle said.
Battle came to Amherst to be near her daughter, Whitney Battle-Baptiste, son-in-law Trevor Baptiste and her three grandchildren, in 2011.
Even with all the commitments of being a grandmother, Battle has found avenues to volunteer.
With interest in arts and affordable housing, Battle joined the Amherst Cultural Council, the committee for the Roger L. Wallace Excellence in Teaching Award and the town’s Housing and Sheltering Committee.
Battle is also on the board of the Youth Action Coalition, which will help sponsor the Juneteenth celebration on the Town Common and is working with child drummers, who performed at a Kwanzaa celebration in Pelham in December.
As president, Battle runs the weekly luncheon meetings, four times a month, and holds a board meeting once a month. The luncheons are at noon Tuesday at The Monkey Bar, 63 North Pleasant St.
The club has 78 members, about half of which pay to come each week, while others are associate members. Battle would like more to join.
“It’s for anyone who works or lives in the Amherst area and wants to do positive things for the local environment, in terms of youth and elderly in the community,” Battle said.
Anyone with questions about the event can call 253-5179.
Scott Merzbach can be reached at smerzbach@gazettenet.com.
