Local news

Masquerade raises over $7K for Clinton County United Way

LOCK HAVEN -- Nearly 100 people put on their best suits, ties and dresses and most dazzling mask for the first-ever Masquerade Ball, hosted by the Clinton County United Way and The Express community newspaper.

The event was held Friday night at the Sons and Daughters of Italy's outdoor patio and featured music by DJ Kyle Anthony-- who got many moving and grooving through the night -- along with food provided by Twisted Whisk Catering and drinks provided by the Sons.

Two lucky locals went home with donated gift baskets too.

Photographer, Bre. Creatively Representing You, also manned a photo booth where anyone could have their picture taken. All they had to do was provide a donation of any amount to the United Way.

The cost for the tickets, photo booth and basket raffle all went to support the United Way and its mission to help the community. All-in-all, the event raised over $7,000 for the United Way, according to Director Ben Green.

The United Way's goal is to help those in the community who may be struggling financially and living paycheck to paycheck. And that group has faced even harder times with current inflation, he said.

The masquerade served as a positive kick off to the United Way's current campaign year. The non-profit hopes to raise $200,000 for its 15 local partners between now and September 2023.

Green and Express assistant advertising manager, Megan Muthler -- who organized the event -- were excited about the turn out.

"We're really happy with how everything worked out! I was very pleased with the turn out and I definitely think the event was a success," Muthler said. "We are really looking forward to making the Masquerade Ball an annual party, and we hope the community will continue to show up for it in the future!"

Green echoed Muthler's sentiments.

"On behalf of the board, we're so appreciative of the support the community showed by attending the event and to the sponsors without whom we could not have held this unique event. It was a fantastic night full of fun, great food, great music and some pretty impressive dancing; and it looked wonderful," Green said. "It was a great way to get into the Halloween spirit! We're very grateful to the Express for co-hosting the event and we're thrilled with the result. The money raised will go a long way in supporting our mission of making the lives of people who are struggling in Clinton County better."

Green also gave a shout out to Anthony for providing the music, Bre. Creatively Representing You for handling the photo booth and Twisted Whisk for providing great food.

He gave a special shout out to the Sons of Italy, as well, for donating the venue and bar-tending services.

Green and Muthler thanked the following sponsors too:

-- Platinum Sponsor: UPMC

-- Gold Sponsors: LMR Tires, Lykens Market, Davis Real Estate, Inc., First Commonwealth Bank

-- Silver Sponsors: Gearhart Herr & Co., Inc., Hear the Birds

-- Bronze Sponsors: Woodlands Bank, Lock Haven Lions Club, First Citizens Community Bank

-- In-Kind Sponsors: Sons and Daughters of Italy, Bre. Creatively Representing You