Family Crisis Center Director Kristy Hewitt Lawson, left, and administrative assistant Angela Clark are planning the “Totally Rockin’ 80’s Music Mystery Dinner” to raise funds for the FCC. The event will be April 16 at 6 p.m. at the Ringgold Depot. Tickets are $40 apiece.A “Totally Rockin’ 80’s Music Mystery Dinner” will rock the stage at the Ringgold Depot Saturday, April 16 beginning at 6 p.m.
The Family Crisis Center of Walker, Dade, Catoosa and Chattooga counties is partnering with local talented actors for the fundraising performance. The play is written and directed by Ringgold Playhouse Director Adam Cook.
“It’s still a mystery dinner theater, but the theme is different,” Family Crisis Center Director Kristy Hewitt Lawson said, referencing the popularity of last year’s inaugural mystery dinner fundraiser. “The play is like a talent contest with 1980’s stars like Bruce Springsteen, Paula Abdul, Rod Stewart, Madonna, Robert Palmer and Joan Jett, to name a few.”
Last year’s “A Night at the Oscars” brought in $19,000 in cash and in-kind donations, she said.
“All proceeds from the events go to help the victims of domestic violence and their children,” said Lawson. “We have 18 beds [at the Family Crisis Center], but we can house up to 24 women and children. Last year, we provided emergency shelter to 223 women and children. And we served over 800 victims in our outreach services and answered over 2,100 crisis calls in the four-county area of Dade, Walker, Catoosa and Chattooga. We help with temporary protective orders and financial assistance for victims and domestic violence support groups.”
In addition to dinner by Olive Garden and refreshments from Coca-Cola, there will be a silent auction featuring items like tickets to Six Flags, The Comedy Catch, Jekyll Island Golf Club, the Atlanta Zoo, Canyon Grill, Ruby Falls, Rock City and World of Coca-Cola. Participants can also buy a Rubik’s Cube-like with 1980’s theme candy and a movie in it.
“Door prizes are gift cards from places like Red Lobster, Sonic and Sears Shoe Store,” Lawson added.
Auctions items and sponsors are still needed.
Appearing in this year’s play will be Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson, Catoosa County Sheriff Gary Sisk, Catoosa County Coroner Vanita Hullander, Fort Oglethorpe Mayor Pro-Tem Paula Stinnett, Dexter Coley, State Farm agent Erin Crane, Catoosa County Commissioner Jim Cutler, Markeita Gray, Scottie Smith, DeLaine Hunter, Nicki Sloan and Bobby Daniel.
Individual tickets are $40 each.
According to Lawson, some of the women helped by FCC have jobs and some do not, so FCC assists them with housing, finding employment and transportation.
“We see what their goals are when they come into the shelter and we begin assisting them with their goals,” said Lawson. “Some of the barriers we have in the area are housing and transportation. There’s waiting lists for a lot of housing. We depend on the community for support. Donations of cleaning supplies, personal care items and paper products are needed for the shelter.”
To donate or sign up to be a sponsor of the mystery dinner event, or for tickets, contact the FCC at 706-375-7180.