PHOTO BY BRE. CREATIVELY REPRESENTING YOU The Clinton County United Way and Express Community Newspaper have partnered again for the Masqurade Ball which will benefit the United Way’s mission.

PHOTO BY BRE. CREATIVELY REPRESENTING YOU
The Clinton County United Way and Express Community Newspaper have partnered again for the Masquerade Ball which will benefit the United Way’s mission.

LOCK HAVEN — The Express community newspaper is once again partnering with the Clinton County United Way to raise money for the nonprofit’s mission through a 2nd Annual Masquerade Ball on Friday, Oct. 6.

Tickets are on sale now for the event, which will be held at the Sons and Daughters of Italy. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. with the event scheduled to run from 7 to 10:30 p.m.

Tickets cost $35 each and may be purchased by visiting www.clintoncountyunitedway.org or by visiting the Clinton County United Way or Lock Haven Newspaper on Facebook. For today and tomorrow only, a 10 percent discount on tickets is available by using special code SPOOKY10 at checkout.

United Way Director, Ben Green, said the organization is excited to partner with The Express again for the event. He and Megan Muthler, Express Assistant Advertising Manager, have been working together since early 2023 to get the event rolling.

“We’re really excited to partner with the Express again this year. Last year’s event was so successful and such a good time. We’re excited that it seems to have become a community event,” Green said.

Everyone is encouraged to dress in their best formal attire and bring along their decorative masks for this event.

The event will feature food provided by the Beech Creek Motel and adult beverages along with music by DJ Kyle Turchetta, a costume contest, silent gift basket raffle and photo booth provided by Bre. Creatively Representing You. Muthler said photos may be purchased from the booth via a donation to the United Way.

“We are so excited to be partnering with the United Way for this event again this year,” Muthler said. “Last year, the community really came out to show their support and have a great time doing it.”

Muthler said she and Green expect this year’s event to be just as fun.

“There’s something for everyone and a great way to kick off Halloween and spooky season,” she said. “There aren’t many opportunities to dress up and have a good time, while partying for a good cause!”

Both Muthler and Green noted that an event such as the Masquerade isn’t common in the area.

“The event is unique. It’s formal but it’s also really fun and more laid back than some other formal events,” Green said. “It’s really just a great excuse to get dressed up in honor of ‘spooky season’ and have a great time.”

Green hopes the Masquerade can serve as a positive kick off to the United Way’s current campaign year. The non-profit hopes to raise $200,000 for its 13 local partners between now and September 2024.

“Right now it’s an important time for us. We really want to reach our overall fundraising goal because the community needs it,” Green said.

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.

“We want to pump money directly back into the community,” he said. “The United Way is very appreciative of The Express for partnering with us to do so.”

The silent gift basket raffle will feature a wide range of items donated by local businesses and organizations. So far 10 baskets have been donated from the following businesses: Main Street Books; Momoyo Otsu; AP Photos; It Is What It Is; Woodlands Bank; The Coast Bar with Henderson Hotel; Clinton County Visitors Bureau; The White Knight Game Room/Two Maidens Tea Room and Cafe; Avenue 209 Coffee House; Rizzo’s Greenhouse.

Muthler and Green noted the event is still looking for gift basket donations.

Donations may be dropped off at The Express, 9 W. Main St., between now and Oct. 6.

The United Way is also still looking for sponsors with the event currently having the following:

— Diamond Sponsor: UPMC

— Gold Sponsors: LMR Tires & Lykens Market

— Silver Sponsors: First Citizens Community Bank

— Bronze Sponsors: Woodlands Bank

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

Any business that is interested in sponsoring the event may do so by calling 570-748-6791.

Those who are unable to attend the ball can still donate to the United Way’s campaign. Simply visit the non-profit’s website, www.clintoncountyunitedway.org/, its Facebook page or the link to masquerade tickets.