September 2005
MC Neighborhood Center Kicks Off Capital Campaign - A Must See Event
 Who's that guy?
Where will he be??? . . . and why????
The Marshall County Neighborhood Center Board will kick off its capital campaign with an elegant, cabaret-style event on Saturday, Oct. 8. The spectacular, interactive concert features - who's that guy? Rod Stewart or Steve Bobbitt?
Stewart just turned 60 and hasn't scheduled any concerts. Bobbitt, a mirror image of the legend a generation ago, has a full calendar. For those who haven't seen Bobbitt and The Young Turks, the show will amaze with its realism, and appeal to people of all ages. Bobbitt has worked hard to perfect the voice and the moves of Rod Stewart. He continually interacts with his audience in many of Stewart's most memorable songs from the 1970's. Who can forget "Maggie May" or "Hot Legs"? But he also adds tunes from Stewart's latest huge success,---"The Great American Songbook" series.
Bobbitt hails from Peoria, Ill., not England. His six-piece band, The Young Turks, features a look-alike, sound-alike, believable image of a Rod Stewart concert. The show brings to life the star appeal, glamour, energy and excitement of the rock legend and music superstar.
Doors open at 7 p.m. for the 'black tie optional' event at the Knights of Columbus, who generously donated their space. The first of two unique sets starts at 8 p.m. with a second set at 9:30 p.m. The venue offers an opportunity to mingle and see friends, with food and beverage stations rather than a sit-down dinner.
Funds from the Center's capital campaign will be used to remodel the building that recently was purchased with the help of Dennis Beville of Centier Bank. The entire infrastructure, electrical, plumbing and heating, as well as the interior needs to be remodeled. And that takes dollars, lots of them.
The Center's goal is to enhance programs to better serve the 800 constituents served each month. An additional 100 clients use the ever-growing food pantry.
Most important, according to Kim Hughes, president of the board, is going beyond fulfilling immediate needs. "The Neighborhood Center not only helps people get over the hump, but fosters independence so they can progress to a better way of life," said Hughes.
A new program is in the works to do just that. To prepare clients for job searches and interviews, plans include a private interview room and a collection of business suits. That program and others support the Center's motto and logo "Helping Neighbors Achieve Success-Fostering Independence."
Centier Bank, under the leadership of community-advocate Dennis Beville, didn't hesitate to underwrite the evening's festivities. "Centier Bank is committed to the long-term stability and success of the Marshall County Neighborhood Center and downtown Plymouth," Beville said. "We were happy to be instrumental in the purchase of the building and pleased to sponsor this event to kick off the capital campaign."
Centier isn't alone in its generosity. Family Express, headquartered in Valparaiso, is donating a coffee bar to enhance the dessert selections. Gus Olympidis, CEO and president of Family Express, is a huge advocate of community involvement.
Jim Vinall, owner of The Net Anywhere, a local internet service provider, is also a co-sponsor of the event. His company is a long-time supporter of the Center.
The United Way provides major funding for the Center. Jeff Honzik, director and CPO, is pleased to see the new direction the Center has taken under the leadership of Jerry Nikitas and the new board. "We are pleased to see the direction of the Neighborhood Center. They are an extremely efficient agency and make maximum use of their United Way spending," Honzik said.
The Chamber of Commerce window will feature the concert for the month of September. Tables of eight are currently on sale at Centier Bank, Wild Birds Unlimited, Hann Realty, Neighborhood Center, and the Chamber of Commerce for $400. Tickets for the general public go on sale Sept. 5 at the same locations for $50. per person. Tickets include the show and all food and beverages. |
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