COLTON -- Fundraising for the 2014 Sunday Rock Legacy Project is underway.

The project brings together three organizations—Colton Historical Society, Colton-Pierrepont Central School and Grasse River Players—to pursue community-based projects of historical, educational and theatrical interest. This summer “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” will be presented three times, on July 17, 18 and 20, before and after Colton Country Day on July 19.

The Tony Award-winning musical comedy, directed by Kimberly Busch for Grasse River Players, is underpinned by historical and related educational activities focusing on one-room schoolhouses. Mary Jane Watson is leading research about one-room schoolhouses for the Colton Historical Society.

Fundraising coordinators Ruth McWilliams and Scott Muller said expenses for all aspects of the project total about $20,000 a year. This year fundraising for the 2014 project got a jumpstart when the Colton Historical Society was notified it will receive a $5,000 grant from the Decentralization Program administered by the St. Lawrence County Arts Council.

Now the collaborators are reaching out to other public and private sources in the area to raise the additional $15,000. Both small and large contributions are needed and valued. Businesses, organizations, families and individuals can contribute in the following ways:

• Remembrance Gifts—For $50 contributors get up to three lines in the Show Program and Historical Guide acknowledging contributors along with people, places, things and events being remembered.

• Program and Guide Ads—Advertisers contributing $100 to $400 are entitled to 1/8-page to full-page ads, depending upon the level of contribution. Ads also can be done to acknowledge individuals, places or events. Each comes with at least one complimentary ticket to the summer show.

• Major Sponsors—Contributors of $500 or more are appreciated in a number of ways, including a full-page ad in the program and guide plus recognition before, during and after the summer shows via news releases, posters and other publicity. Each also is entitled to three complimentary tickets to the show.

Ruth McWilliams reports Canton-Potsdam Hospital has committed to being a major sponsor again this year.

All contributions made by June 13 will be recognized in the Show Program and Historical Guide being created by graphic designer Valisha Arnold of Norwood. Since the program and guide will be used for exhibits at the Colton Museum and for educational programs with Colton-Pierrepont Central School, it has enduring usefulness long after the summer performances.

Contributions made to the Colton Historical Society on behalf of The Sunday Rock Legacy Project are tax deductible. Contributions are to be sent to the Colton Historical Society, c/o Mary Jane Watson, P.O. Box 387, South Colton, New York 13687.

Anyone interested in learning more about the 2014 Project and ways to contribute can call Scott Muller at 244-9956. Updates can also be seen at The Sunday Rock Legacy Project page on Facebook and the Town of Colton website, www.townofcolton.com.