Benefit musical slated for abuse victims

By Kim Schneider

SALEM -- Leadership Columbiana County (LCC), a nonprofit educational organization, will host a benefit production of Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming at the Salem Community Theater on March 18, 2010 at 7 p.m. The cost of the tickets are $14. The net proceeds of the show will go to the Christina House, a shelter for domestic violence victims.

Smoke on the Mountain Homecoming, conceived by Alan Bailey and written by Connie Ray is a story blended with bluegrass music, which takes place in 1945. The story is a post World War II tribute to the Sanders family as they bid farewell to Pastor Oglethorpe and his wife and bring in Dennis Sanders as the new pastor. It is a story that all members of a family and community can enjoy.

In the spirit of building communities and relationships, Leadership Columbiana County’s goal for this leadership class is to raise awareness of domestic violence and the victims it leaves in the aftermath. In addition to the production, the LCC uses several different methods to help support the Christina House. On the night of the production, they will hold a Chinese auction in which they look to the community to share in the giving. They also plan to hold a 50/50 drawing.

The LCC are also asking for donations of items to put in backpacks for the children of the Christina House. These items include: teddy bears, small blankets, coloring books, writing utensils, toys, undergarments, and personal grooming items. Wal-Mart has already donated book-bags in which to add the contents; they are still searching for these items to bring comfort to the children who left home with only the clothes they are wearing on their backs. It is estimated that 50 children stay at the shelter during a year.

Remember, it takes a community to raise a child. Share your generosity, community spirit, and perhaps a piece of your heart with a child in need at one of the local LCC drop boxes at KSU.

For tickets to the event, please contact Mary Lynne Fedor through the Physical Therapy Department at KSU-EL 330-382-7405. Monetary donations can be made payable and mailed to: Leadership Columbiana County Attn: Dino Morell 303 Sharon Drive Hookstown, PA 15050.

For more information on Leadership Columbiana County go to http://www.leadershipcolumbianacounty.com/