'Ritz' dresses it up this year at Genoa Lakes

The annual fundraising event, "Puttin' on the Ritz," will be held on March 18 at the Genoa Lakes Golf Club, 1 Genoa Lakes Drive, to benefit the Family Support Council of Douglas County.

The event, in its fourth year, was previously held at St. Gall Catholic Church.

"It's a little more upscale, a little more dressy than it has been," said council executive director Kelli Johnson. "But no hats and tails required."

The dinner, dancing, live and silent auction is expected to sell out, with tickets bought prior to the event at $50, and at the door, $65. Tickets can be purchased by calling the Family Support Council 782-8692 or going in to 1255 Waterloo Lane, Suite A, Gardnerville.

The event includes a door prize, a 1/4-carat diamond provided by Joyce's Jewelry & Antiques in Gardnerville, raffle prizes and a buffet dinner prepared by Chef Valter Montanari. Music is provided by Bill Alan McClain's Mobile Music & DJ Service.

Businesses are encouraged to support the non-profit agency by signing up to sponsor the event.

"A number of businesses helped," said Johnson, listing the three biggest sponsors, Charter Communications, General Electric and Syncon Homes, as well as Harley Davidson, Slot World, The Record-Courier, Nevada State Bank, Greater Nevada Credit Union and Stewart Title.

Three levels of sponsorship are available for this year's event:

n Headliner sponsor, $3,000 cash or in-kind donation. Table of eight for company guests with table decorations representing the company and logo. Guests will receive a chef's buffet dinner and two complimentary bottles of wine (red and white). The company will receive recognition at the event, including a company banner and program recognition, company name in the newspaper and recognition on the event commercial as a headline sponsor for the event.

n Diamond sponsor, $1,500 cash or in-kind donation. Company table for eight decorated with the company name and logo. Guests receive a chef's buffet dinner and complimentary wine (two bottles, red and white). The company will receive recognition at the event, the company name will appear in the program and in the newspaper.

n Crystal sponsor, $750. Table of eight where guests will receive a chef's buffet dinner and two complimentary bottles of wine. Company name and logo will decorate the table and the company will be acknowledged in the newspaper and the event program.

This year, the Family Support Council will honor an individual and a company that have made outstanding contributions to the council.

All funds raised throughout the evening will help make Douglas County a safer community for children, as well as adults, by providing education, prevention and intervention programs for children, families and adults of all ages, free of charge.

In addition to providing assistance and shelter for victims, the Family Support Council of Douglas County's services include crisis intervention counseling, a women's support group, parenting skills and education courses, family stress management courses and a variety of programs for families with young children.

To become a business sponsor, send a check to Family Support Council of Douglas County, 1255 Waterloo Lane, Suite A, Gardnerville, NV 89410. For more information, call 782-8692 or visit www.family-support.org