10-Year Old's Legacy to be Honored at Fundraising Concert and Auction

The life of a music-loving 10 year old girl from Hamilton who died six years ago will be honored on Saturday to benefit a scholarship fund in her name.

The Thompson family and friends are hosting the annual "Mary Lois Thompson Scholarship Fund" fundraising event on Saturday at Woodman's in Essex.

Mary, the daughter of Nancy and Roger Thompson and sister of Ian and Brianna, passed away suddenly at age 10 in October 2005. Mary especially loved music, and Saturday night is dedicated to her. All of the proceeds from the event will go to the "Mary Lois Thompson Scholarship Fund," which is available to any graduating senior who has a passion for music.

Ian is 17 and a junior at Hamilton–Wenham. Brenna is 14 and in the eighth grade at ,"

"Mary would have been 16 years old on Wednesday, March 16," said Nancy Thompson. "She is so dearly missed."

In addition to numerous auction items and a 50/50 raffle, "Music for Mary" branded apparel, including include long-sleeve shirts, will be sold this year for the first time.

Live music will be provided by Roger Thompson's band, "Subject to Change," Ian Thompson's a cappella group "Kings of the Beach," Hamilton Wenham Regional High School's all-girls a cappella group "Dell Belles," and Bob Lassonde, former music teacher, just to name a few, according to one of the event planners, Janie Bellenis.

"This will be a fun and heartfelt evening attended by an enormous number of the Hamilton-Wenham community," said Bellenis. "Mary was an extraordinary little girl, and as a community that misses her dearly, we look forward each year to celebrating her spirit and joy by raising funds in her memory to benefit Hamilton-Wenham students as they move on in life."

The celebration of Mary's life and fundraiser for the scholarship fund will be held at Woodman's Function Hall in Essex on Saturday, March 19 from 7-11 p.m. The cost is $25 for adults and $10 for students.