Music will dominate the entertainment during the LifeWorks Charitable Foundation’s annual fundraiser Thursday at Fort Frenzy.
The event is called A Night for LifeWorks. And after being held in a virtual format for two years because of the pandemic, it will be live and in person this week.
Entertainers performing in an “America’s Got talent “ format will compete for bragging rights.
“I think we again have high quality entertainers, probably the most well-known local performers we have ever had,” said Kristie Miller, residential director for LifeWorks. “I am so honored that they are willing to share their talent to benefit the LifeWorks Charitable Foundation.”
Two of the entertainers this year are Jesse Wilson and Scott Kirkhart.
“People in the crowd will vote with their dollars for their favorite performer,” said Teresa Naughton, the executive director of LifeWorks. “The cool thing is that 100 percent of these dollars go to the LifeWorks Charitable Foundation. That means individuals served by LifeWorks are the true winners.”
The event’s social hour begins at 5 p.m. with light hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Dinner starts at 6 p.m. with entertainment, voting and a testimonial speaker to follow. All of the action will take place at Fort Frenzy, 3232 First Ave. S.
New to the event this year is the online silent auction.
“People will be able to see all the silent auction items from anywhere using their smartphone,” said Curt Duffield, vocational director for LifeWorks. “Whether or not you’re at the event , you can bid on items and support LifeWorks. People can also pay through the app , which is really convenient. They can take their items home from the event, or pick them up later.”
The silent auction closes at 8 p.m. Thursday. It can be found at www.32auctions.com/lifeworks2022.
Tickets are available for $40 each at www.eventbrite.com or at LifeWorks’ vocational site, 1303 A St.
“It will be a very fun night for a great cause,” said Fort Dodge City Councilman Cameron Nelson, who is the president of the LifeWorks Foundation board. “It is so nice to be back to an in-person event, and be able to see all the wonderful people who help the Foundation raise money to support LifeWorks Community Services. It has been very fun to help plan the online events the last couple of years, but I am so excited to be back to the Cardiff Center. I had attended the in-person event for a number of years and now I am thrilled to help plan a great night for an amazing organization.”
Event proceeds go to the LifeWorks Charitable Foundation, whose mission is to provide financial support to LifeWorks Community Services in its work with individuals with disabilities. LifeWorks Community Services provides daily living and employment supports to about 200 people in Fort Dodge, Humboldt and surrounding counties.
“We’re really blessed to have such generous community support,” said Ann Halbur, job development specialist. “They’ve stepped forward to partner with the mission of LifeWorks.”
Gold level event sponsors are: Availa Bank, Dr. Carey Bligard, Cargill, Curt Bacon Body Shop, The Dairiette, Wolfgang Dillingham, First State Bank/Town and Country Insurance, Fort Dodge Ford Lincoln Toyota, Fort Frenzy, Jensen Builders Ltd., Kallin-Johnson Monument Co., Kemna Auto, Kwik Star, Jan and Al Link, Maggio Dental Office, Mid-Iowa Insurance/West Bend Mutual, Northwest Bank, Brian and Julie Roethler, Rick and Mary Salocker and Shimkat Motor Co.
Silver level event sponsors include Assured Partners, Autodrive Inc., Civitan, CJ Bio America, Coldwell Banker, Daybreak Rotary, Edward Jones Ryan Kent office, Family Bowling Center, Flooring America Design Center, Green State Credit Union, Iowa Fire Control, Jim’s Carpet One, Mid-Iowa CPA, Cory and Teresa Naughton, North Park Family Dentistry, Orres & Gailey Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning, Osborn Stubbs Law Office, Rasch Construction and TP Anderson and Co.