BY RUTH RICE
RRICE@TRIBDEM.COM
Even after the Thanksgiving holiday, there’s still time to count your blessings.
An Evening of Giving Thanks, a fundraiser for the YWCA of Greater Johnstown, will be held Nov. 28 at Ace’s, 316 Chestnut St. in the Cambria City section of Johnstown.
Doors will open at 7 p.m., with dancing from 9 to midnight.
In addition to raising capital for the YWCA’s general operating fund, the event will benefit the West End Food Pantry through donations of nonperishable food items.
“This is something new,” said Mary Parson, interim executive director of the YWCA, 526 Somerset St. in the Kernville section of Johnstown. “When we were in the planning stages, we wanted to be community-minded. We want to raise funds, but we want to give back to the community. You hear about how supplies are low at the food pantries. This is our way to help people.”
Tickets are $10 without a food donation and $8 with the donation of two nonperishable food items.
There will be containers for donated food at the YW, where advance tickets will be available, and at Ace’s, where tickets will be available at the door.
Diane Lopez, YWCA president, said this isn’t the organization’s only fundraiser, but it makes a difference toward available funds for general operating expenses.
“Being a United Way agency, we could not fund raise for the last three months because United Way was running their campaign,” Lopez said.
This year, dance music will be provided by Ribbon Grass, a switch from previous years when Johnstown Classic Rockers was the featured band.
“They have a different following and appeal to a younger crowd,” Lopez said.
“We were pleased with the Rockers, but we have an identity crisis at the YWCA. We have a different mission than the YMCA. We want to appeal to those in their 20s and 30s.”
Ribbon Grass will play songs spanning the past five decades.
“We normally play Thanksgiving Eve, but when the YWCA offered us this event, we jumped at the chance to do a show on a Saturday night instead of during the holiday week,” said Terri Single, a vocalist with the group.
“Playing Saturday will give out-of-town folks a chance to see us.”
Other members of the band are Dave Single, vocals, keyboard and violin; Ron Gallucci, vocals and bass guitar; Mark Vatavuk, vocals and drums; and Steve Toma, guitar.
An Evening of Giving Thanks is always held the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
“People are home for the holidays,” Parson said. “This is a safe, fun environment to enjoy each other’s company and hear great live music.”
A cash bar will be available.
Benefit
What: An Evening of Giving Thanks.
Where: Ace’s, 316 Chestnut St. in the Cambria City section of Johns-town.
When: Nov. 28. Doors open at 7 p.m., dancing from 9 to midnight.
Tickets: $10 per person or $8 with two nonperishable food items.
Information: 536-3519.
