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On Sunday August 30, 2015 the BDC hosted a Tome Alumni Tour and Luncheon. This event came about from interest from the Tome School in North East to connect the former alumni and current students to the history found at the National Historic Tome School for Boys. Initially, we projected to have 50-75 participants attend, and we were pleasantly surprised to have over 125! As folks arrived they were given time to mingle, chat and use the restrooms before heading back to the campus. We had THREE busloads of folks to take back. A big thanks goes to the Cecil College Truck Driver Instructors. Because of them, we were able to handle the increase from 75 to 125. As folks arrived at the campus, they were unloaded at the Italian Garden for lunch and refreshments. The garden was set with a food tent and multiple tables for everyone to sit and relax. Being in the lower section of the garden provided for an excellent amount of shade from the large trees. The Old Smokehouse in Port Deposit catered the event for us providing beef brisket, pulled pork, pulled chicken, mac and cheese, baked beans, coleslaw and potato salad. The food was an incredible hit and everyone was very surprised at the lunch they received for the very low cost that was paid to attend the event. In addition to the meals provided, there were snacks, desserts, and a variety of drinks. We had plenty of food and were even able to offer seconds! Another great thanks goes to the VFW in Port Deposit for donating the tables and chairs for use. Without that donation, we would not have been able to keep the cost as low as we did ($10 per person). As two groups enjoyed lunch and chatted with friends (all while taking in the magnitude of the buildings) another group was given a bus tour of the campus. We provided 3 full tours of the campus to all participants and made multiple stops for photos and questions. The feedback from everyone was fantastic and they were very vocal about making this an annual event. If we are able to do this again next year, we will shoot for Fall when it is a little bit cooler outside. All-in-all the event truly could not have gone any better!