Published Tuesday, July 30, 2002
Herald Staff Writer
Fund raising is going fancy in the Shenango Valley at "A Midsummer Night's Dream" Gala, an evening of elegant dining and dancing on the grounds of the refurbished Buhl Mansion in Sharon.
The gala, which hosts James B. and Joyce Winner of Sharon hope will be a night to remember, will benefit the American Cancer Society.
"I thought it would be very nice to do something on a formal basis," Mrs. Winner said. "We made the suggestion (to the cancer society) and the next thing we knew, we were the chairpersons," she said, adding she and her husband are working with a "tremendous" committee.
Aug. 11's black-tie-optional event will include entertainment by "Backbeat," which specializes in a variety of big band, swing, jazz, and pop music. The band is sponsored by UPMC Horizon.
Also, a Grand Pavilion that will be placed on the grounds for dining and dancing will be sponsored by the Cancer Care Center of Sharon Regional Health System.
Emcee for the evening will be WFMJ television's Anita Quinn.
"There are no boundaries in the community when it comes to something like this," Mrs. Winner said, referring to the fight against cancer.
Tickets are $150 a person with a cash-bar or patrons can be honorary hosts for a $1,000 donation, which will include two tickets, an invitation to a pregala reception in the mansion and a mention in the program.
"I think that a lot of people complain that there's no culture in the valley, and the truth is there's a lot of culture in the valley," Winner said. "They do this in bigger cities, and I think we can do it here."
For additional donations, patrons may stay at the Buhl Mansion that night or make appointments at the mansion's spa. Diana Lynne Photography of Warren, Ohio, will take pictures during the evening and will donate a portion of her proceeds to the Cancer Society.
Though the event is upscale, the Winners said they feel community members will support it as they do many other worthy causes.
"This community is filled with volunteerism," Winner said. "If you want to volunteer, this is the community to live in."
For ticket and donation information, call the American Cancer Society at (724) 346-3529.