Esty is Broadway musical cast member

Sara Esty, a Gorham native, is a cast member in the Broadway musical ,“An American in Paris,” which opened April 12 at the Palace Theater in New York.

Esty graduated from Gorham High School in 2004, as did her twin sister, Leigh-Ann Esty, and both previously performed with Maine State Ballet.

Maine State Ballet artistic director Linda Miele recently said that Sara Esty, 28, was a cast member of “An American in Paris” when it played in Paris, France.

Miele said Esty has lines, sings and dances besides performing in the chorus.

“It’s a great opportunity for her,” Miele said.

The American Journal reported on July 25, 2012, “The Esty sisters spent three summers training with the School of American Ballet in New York City, and three summers training at the Miami City Ballet before joining that company fulltime.”

“Sara was promoted to soloist last year, and Leigh-Ann is a member of the Corps de Ballet. Sara was featured last year in Dance Magazine.”

GHOPE fundraiser

The second annual community fundraiser, known by the acronym GHOPE, that benefits those in crisis will be held 5-10 p.m. on Saturday, April 18, at Gorham Sports Center, 215 Narragansett St., Gorham. Doors open at 4 p.m.

Gorham businessman Angelo Sotiropoulos said the fundraiser is in remembrance of John Reed and Dana Allen. The event features Gorham High School Chamber Singers at 6 p.m., a snapshot of last year’s fundraiser at 7 p.m., and Motor Booty Affair from 8-10 p.m. The program also includes bounce houses, photo booth, magician, food trucks, cash bar and 50/50 drawing.

Sotiropoulos, owner of the Gorham House of Pizza, said the restaurant would contribute to the fundraiser. Three years ago, the community rushed to raise funds benefiting Sotiropoulos after a tragic fire at Gorham House of Pizza and he founded this annual fundraiser to aid others who have suffered a catastrophe.

Admission is $10 in advance and $15 at the door; and children, free. Tickets can be purchased at Gorham House of Pizza, The Blue Pig Diner and Great Falls Construction.

Lions road races set

The Gorham Lions Club has announced its sixth annual 5K and 10K races, which will be held on Saturday, April 18.

Check-in time is from 7:30-8:45 a.m. Start time is 9 a.m. and the race will start and finish at the Gorham Recreational Department on Ball Park Road in Gorham. This is a run, jog, walk and wheel event with official timing provided by 5K Sports. All racers will be given an official racing bib.

Race day registration is $25. Pre-register at www.running4free.com and save $12. On line registration closes at 4 p.m. on Friday, April 17.

All proceeds benefit Lions’ local and worldwide communities and charities. For more information, call Norman Wedge, race director, at 839-6569.

‘Freedom Sunday’

A monthly church series, “Potluck With a Purpose,” is celebrating its third anniversary at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, April 26, at South Gorham Baptist Church, County Road (Route 22).

The series at the church raises awareness of human trafficking worldwide and in local communities.

“We have learned so much about the overwhelming evils of injustice and about ways we can make a difference,” series organizer Cindy Elder said in a statement. “Let’s challenge ourselves to keep this justice effort moving forward. We cannot give up.”

“Freedom Sunday” speakers will be Cumberland County Deputy District Attorney Meg Elam, local businessman and dedicated abolitionist Bill Stauffer, and, via video, Naomi Abrams, International Justice Mission intern.

Jeff Willis, Doug Elder, and the worship team will provide special music.

Material will be available that offer ways everyone can become involved. Coffee and desserts will be served following the service and everyone is welcome.

U.S. taxpayer debt

The Bureau of the Fiscal Service reported on April 9 that the U.S. public debt was $18,152,064,358,207.58.

Sara Esty, pictured dancing with Adam Miele in a Maine State Ballet 2004 production, is a cast member of the musical “An American in Paris” that is playing the Palace Theater on Broadway in New York City. Courtesy photo