Start hitting up the vintage shops or digging in the attic for your white leisure suit. It’s almost time to get your freak on for charity---your Le Freak, that is---at the "Love Is In The Care" ball next weekend at Walnut Creek Country Club.
The main attraction of the retro-themed after-five event, which benefits Mansfield Cares, will be a live performance by Le Freak, a nationally-known dance band that bills itself as the "greatest disco band in the world."When they’re not busy shaking their groove thing, ball guests can avail themselves of the chance to play casino games or shop the event’s mobile-powered auction, which includes everything from a throw depicting Mansfield’s history to a hot air balloon ride to a seven-night stay at Las Vegas’ Marriott Grand Chateau.Savory temptations on the dinner menu include snow crab claws, top-your-own macaroni and cheese, beef tenderloin and a chocolate dipping fountain."We’re very excited about this year’s event," said Debbie Koennecke, who is co-chairing the ball with Lisa Stewart. "We’re still getting items in for the auction, and between Le Freak, the casino and some other games we’ve got for people to play, the entertainment is going to be fabulous."Sponsor tables for the event have sold out, but we still have individual tickets---but they are going fast," she said.Formed in 1999, Mansfield Cares is a volunteer-driven charity that funds food, clothing, shelter, education and medical needs for the area’s disadvantaged. The group has given back more than a million dollars in support of community programs since being formed, according to board member Lance Walker.Mansfield Cares built the Linda Nix Caring Place, a community medical clinic, and is in the process of constructing a local food bank.Other projects supported by Mansfield Cares over the years have included a grocery store voucher program, a scholarship fund, a daycare program for single parents in need, a PTA clothing closet and an angel tree holiday drive.This year’s ball is the 14th for the charity, which typically realizes about $100,000 in revenue from the signature event."As our community has grown and the economic climate has changed, the non-profits that provide for those in need have an even greater need now," said Koennecke, who has been involved with the group for about five years."Because we have no paid staff and we get a lot of things for the ball donated or supported by sponsors, we’re able to give every dime we make back to the community," she said. "It would be wonderful to see us get to $150,000 this year."More information
Mansfield Cares Charity Ball
7:30 p.m. Feb. 16
Walnut Creek Country Club
1151 Country Club Drive
$100
Black tie or "funky formal" optional. Auction bidders should register their smart phones online prior to the event.
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