Mathews Rotary held its fifth annual Party with a Purpose on June 7 at Williams Wharf, raising $35,000 to purchase new uniforms to replace the 25-year-old ones currently used by the Mathews High School Band. Despite the heat, there was great turnout, said a press release. The high school jazz band opened the event for the headliner, the Tom Euler Trio. “The schools do not receive sufficient support from the state government, so community fundraising fills the gap,” said the release. “The 70 band students are a cohesive and supportive group who will proudly wear their new uniforms.” During the evening, a 50/50 raffle was held, with a total pot of $2,090. The winner, Dietra Walton, donated $500 of her $1,045 in winnings to the band. Over the past four years, Party with a Purpose has raised money for the New Point Comfort Observation Deck, Meals on Wheels, Williams Wharf, and the Mathews Family YMCA Preschool, said the release. Mathews Rotary’s next event will be the Spanish Mackerel Mayh...