SHELBY, Ohio – A night of live music, barbecue and prizes is in store for those planning on attending the Shelby YMCA fundraiser “Stars & Guitars” this Friday evening.
The second-annual fundraising event is set to take place on the back lawn of the Kehoe Center this Friday, June 5 from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. JoAnn Nelson, president of the Shelby Y board, said she looks forward to opening Stars & Guitars to the public this year.
“Last year was by invitation because we didn’t have a lot of time to get things going, and it was a pretty good turnout,” said Nelson. “We decided to try it again this year and open it to the public, and we are definitely moving up.”
Kicking off the Stars & Guitars evening is a Memphis-style barbecue dinner prepared by Chef Rob Fighter, and live music from local bands, including The DeVault Ridge Band, Uncle Ed & The Bandit and The Stovers. Tickets for the dinner, which includes two drink tickets, are $25 and must be purchased in advance. Nelson said so far 135 tickets have been sold for dinner.
For those who would like to attend Stars & Guitars without the dinner, tickets can be purchased at the door after 7 p.m. for $20. This still includes two drink tickets per person, and a cash bar will also be provided.
“We’re hoping to bring some more people in that way,” said Nelson.
In addition to live entertainment and good food, this year’s Stars & Guitars event will host lawn games, a wine and beer tasting and a raffle. Prizes include a string trimmer and eight-piece garden tool set from MTD, gift baskets and a 50/50 raffle.
The efforts of the evening will all benefit the Shelby Y. Nelson said with the Y’s capital campaign this year, the board is trying to keep the momentum of the Y moving forward.
“We want it to be a place where the community is proud of and that takes money, there’s no way around it,” said Nelson. “We’re trying to keep it fun and keep as many people involved as we can to commit to helping out one way or another.”
According to Executive Director Kim Stover, the main function of fundraisers for the Y is to provide scholarships for people who cannot afford memberships or program fees.
“These fundraisers really help us fulfill our mission,” said Stover. “We have to do the fundraisers in order to provide the services. That’s what the Y is all about, providing all these things to people no matter what.”
Stars & Guitars will take place rain or shine on Friday evening thanks to a large tent provided by Dr. Russell Kiser, said Nelson. Tickets including dinner can be purchased in advance by contacting the Shelby Y at 419-347-1312, JoAnn Nelson at 419-543-3056 or Deanie Kehres at 419-544-1889.
