MT. HOLLY SPRINGS, PA (July 13, 2009) - What's sizzling in Mt. Holly Springs this August? The Holly Inn Group, Inc. celebrates its 5th anniversary by co-hosting a benefit with the Army Heritage Center Foundation to raise funds for the construction of the Visitor and Education Center at the Army Heritage and Education Center (AHEC) on August 7 and August 8. Located at 31 South Baltimore Ave, Mt. Holly Springs, PA, and now home to a new Civil War marker from the Civil War Trail, the Group feels it's just fitting to benefit the construction project.

 

The marker commemorates the first Carlisle man, William L. Beetem, to give his life in the Civil War. During the Battle of Gettysburg, an unknown confederate soldier from GEN Ewell's brigade died at the Inn and is now buried in the front row of the Mt Holly cemetery. "The AHEC ‘tells the Army's story...one Soldier at a time,' like this brave one", Mike Perry, Executive Director of the Foundation, states. Proceeds from this exciting event will be used to build the museum galleries and public space and to support educational and other programs at the Center in Carlisle.

The festivities begin at the Holly Inn Banquet Hall on Friday, August 7 at 7 p.m. when folk singer/songwriter Chris Collins of Texas (and two time award winner at the Kerrville Folk Festival) brings his unique blend of music including folk and original songs from his album "Alberta Skies".

Mayor Kirk Wilson of Carlisle will be the evening's celebrity bartender. Proceeds from the Mayor's pot will be added to the Foundation's funds. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.

On Saturday, August 8 at 6 p.m. the Civil War Marker will be unveiled by Judge Skip Ebert and Mt. Holly Springs officials. The unveiling is followed by a social hour with cash bar and appetizers, a barbecue buffet at 7:30, and, beginning at 8:45, dancing with DJ Ryan Ferree. Red 102.3 DJ Alex Harley will host the event from 6 to 9 p.m. and the Red 102.3 Station Vehicle will be handing out prizes. Tickets to the buffet and dancing are $16.50 (including tax)

In addition to donating the use of the Banquet Hall, the Holly Inn will contribute 5% of supporters' Friday dinner sales at The Holly Inn's Restaurant and 10% of Saturday ticket sales to the benefit. A silent auction and a 50/50 raffle will be held to benefit the construction project.

"Often when everyone's gone, we think...if only these greystone walls could speak," Marie Hollinger, President of the Holly Inn Group contemplates. "It is so rich in history and today a local icon for festivities." After being closed for several years, the Holly Inn Group, Inc renovated the Inn which is now the site of many musical concerts, celebrations of life events and clearly a strong part of the community with its fund drives. Tickets are available at the Holly Inn 717-486-3823. The Holly Inn's restaurant opens at 11:30 a.m. and through out the day-reservations for the events are advised. "If folks want to make a ‘staycation' out of the event, our uniquely designed hotel rooms are available for overnight stay and a package deal can be created," Hollinger adds.