Talk of the Town - Whitley County

(Talk of the Town photo by Jennifer Zartman Romano) A group of Leadership Whitley County alumni members work to plan this year’s major event – an evening of dinner and dancing in support of women’s heart health. Clockwise above, from front left, is Pat Hatcher, June Keiser, Kelley Sheiss and Janet Scank.

By Jennifer Zartman Romano

Bouncing off of last year’s success of Leadership Whitley County’s Dancing with the Stars of Whitley County event, a group of LWC alumni are once again hoping to hit a homerun with fresh, new event this year.

Impacted by loved ones and friends who have faced heart health issues, a group of LWC alumni are planning Rhapsody in Red, a semi-formal evening of dinner and dancing with funds raised to support heart health in Whitley County. The event, set for April 25, will begin with cocktails, followed by a plated meal, dancing and entertainment by The Blue River Express. Rhapsody in Red will take place at The Eagles Nest Event Center in Columbia City.

The committee, comprised of Janet Scank, Pat Hatcher, June Keiser, Kelley Sheiss and Jennifer Zartman Romano, have been planning the event for several months and continuing to iron out details, including some unique activities the night of the event.

Additionally, the ladies are securing celebrity servers who will serve meals the evening of the event, adding to the somewhat formal nature of the event.

So, will everyone wear red?

“Yes, I hope they do because it will make the event that much more exciting,” said committee member June Keiser of J&J Insurance Solutions. Some suggested ways to wear red that evening might include a red gown (short or long), a red tie, scarf, corsage or boutonnière. Attendees might also consider red shoes or jewelry in red.

“Or maybe a red hat or a red ribbon,” offered Keiser.

Keiser and others are eager for a good turnout for the event.

“If we could have a nice, full crowd, that would be awesome,” Keiser said. She is looking forward to spending the evening among friends.

“Hopefully, all of the membership of Leadership Whitley County will attend in support of the organization and have a great evening,” Keiser said. She hopes the evening puts emphasis on Whitley County’s premier leadership development organization, Leadership Whitley County, and also on the issue of cardiovascular health. Heart health is an often overlooked issue within Whitley County – one that many hope will benefit from financially and with awareness generated by this event.

Save the date cards are currently being distributed around Whitley County, with full scale marketing of the event slated to begin in the next few weeks.

Tickets are $30 per person and $50 per couple. A table for eight can be purchased for $210.

“This not only offers some savings but gives businesses or groups a chance to purchase a table, attend together and support the event,” said committee member Kelley Sheiss.

Reservations may be made in advance by calling Kelley Sheiss at 799-4045.