The Christina School District Educational Enrichment Fund is planning a fund-raiser Tuesday at the Deer Park Tavern, featuring Club Phred, a Newark-area rock band.

The fund is a nonprofit group that supports the Christina School District and provides scholarships and awards to students who display citizenship and leadership skills. There are college scholarships for seniors and summer camp opportunities for younger students.

The group also plans to recognize about 60 students at a banquet later this spring, Executive Director Carla Grygiel said. She hopes the Deer Park event will raise $3,000.

The fund typically gives away $10,000 to $15,000 in awards each year. Its major fund-raiser, the Office Professional Appreciation Luncheon, is set April 23 at the Hotel du Pont. That event will recognize district staff members.

A major selling point at Tuesday's benefit will be Club Phred, formerly known as "The Banned," an ensemble of self-proclaimed middle-aged musicians formed two years ago by Newark native Fred Dawson, a local financial adviser. The seven-member band plays classic rock from the '60s and '70s and also features Newark attorney Mark Sisk, 51, on rhythm guitar, and Brian Daring, 48, on bass. Daring works for Newark's building department.

Dawson, 54, an enrichment fund board member, plays the organ and said he has appeared with several recording stars, including Micky Dolenz of The Monkees.

The band played their first gig to a packed house at the Downtown Newark Partnership's fifth anniversary event at Deer Park. Grygiel said she hopes about 200 people will attend on Tuesday.

Reach Michele Besso at 838-3187 or mbesso@delawareonline.com.