The North Webster Community Center will be the site of the annual charity auction and raffle. (Photo provided)

NORTH WEBSTER — The North Webster Community Center is deep in preparation for this year’s Heart of the Community Annual Charity Auction and Raffle.

This year, the event will have an Italian theme with dinner provided by Bella Vitale, also known as “The Cake Lady,” and wine service from Tippy Creek Winery. The Sleepy Owl will also provide a cash bar service for the evening.

The event is scheduled for 5-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1.

Tickets are $25 and include dinner, access to the live and silent auctions and entry into the main drawing. Each attendee’s ticket earns the chance to win one of three top prizes. Third place is $100 a month for a year in gas from Freedom Express, second place is $200 a month for a year in groceries from New Market and the grand prize winner will choose between a $10,000 cash prize, a Sylvan pontoon with motor from Pro Wake, a Polaris General UTV from Loose Moose Motorsports or two different vacation adventure packages.

Proceeds from this event will help defray the operational expenses incurred by the center. NWCC is a nonprofit organization that receives no tax dollars and operates entirely on grants, rental income and the good will of the citizens of Kosciusko County.

The center is home to the North Webster Community Public Library, The Cake Lady catering, Senior Primelife Enrichment Center, a branch of the Kosciusko Family YMCA, The Watershed Foundation, Synergy Massage and The Lakeland Regional Sewer District.

Lakeland Area Kiwanis, Boy Scout Pack 3726, the town of North Webster, Al-anon and local lake property associations hold their regular meetings at the center.

NWCC also has a variety of activities and fitness programs available such as Viper Wrestling, Romp and Roll toddler movement program, Bubble Soccer, Aiki Jutsu, NatAnn Yoga, Hit 2 Get Fit Cardio Drumming, Pickleball, Tai Chi, batting cages, a walking program and open gym. Rental facilities are also available for events, including but not limited to banquets, wedding receptions, reunions and meetings.

“We have always felt very fortunate to be a part of a community that has done its best to support us, and your participation in the upcoming Heart of the Community Charity Auction, whether by donating items, financial donations or buying tickets and attending the event, will help to ensure that NWCC can continue to grow and thrive,” said Jon Sroufe, founding NWCC board member. 

Tickets are available at several area businesses: North Webster Ace Hardware, American Legion Post 253, Loose Moose Motorsports, Sue’s Creations, New Market North Webster, Tippy Creek Winery, Fuzzy’s Hideaway, The Sleepy Owl, Jill and Jennifer’s Salon of Styles and the NWCC office. Members of the board of directors also have them available for purchase. Ticketholders need not be present to win.

All donations are tax deductible. Organizers are also accepting donations for the live and silent auctions.  Contact Erin Smith, director of operations, (574) 834-1600 x221, for information about donating.