SugarCreek returns to kick up heels at Fostoria's Mardi Gras

Trading beads and masks for bandannas and boots, the Greater Fostoria Community Foundation, Inc. will present its "Country Mardi Gras 2020!" fundraiser from 6 to 11 p.m. Feb. 28 at Stacy's Place event hall, 625 Plaza Drive. The GFCF Mardi Gras has become the "must-attend" party of the winter in support of the Foundation's operating mission, a news release from the foundation states. A heavy hors d'oeuvres buffet will be available, as well as a door prize raffle, "horse race" auction and 50/50 raffles throughout the night. Coffee and punch will be provided with other drinks BYOB. (Stacy's Place asks that patrons not bring glass.) GFCF has invited back the band SugarCreek to entertain guests. The Ohio-based SugarCreek is a country band led by the vocals of Megan Francis and Bobby Withers and supported by the rhythm and groove section of Fostoria native Steve Geroski and Andrew Lewallen, of Wayne. The band performs classic country, 90's country and modern country music from artists such as Miranda Lambert, The Dixie Chicks, Rascal Flatts, Chris Stapleton, Alan Jackson, Luke Combs and others. The Foundation is offering table sponsorships for its signature fundraising event. Businesses, organizations and individuals are welcome to be a table sponsor. Early reservations are recommended. Table sponsor reservations are requested by Feb. 14, with sponsorships available at the following levels: • $1,500 Presenting Sponsor: includes VIP seating as a headlining sponsor with two reserved tables and 20 tickets; • $1,000 Band Sponsor: includes VIP seating as a supporting sponsor with one reserved table and 10 tickets; • $500 Table Sponsor: includes one reserved table and 10 tickets; • Friend of the Foundation Sponsor: includes a listing on the patron board when a raffle prize is donated or $50 to help cover expenses; General admission tickets are available for $35 per person with no reserved seating. Tickets must be purchased in advance. To sponsor a table or purchase tickets for the Foundation's, email director@fostoriafoundation.com, call 419-435-2823 or stop by the Greater Fostoria Community Foundation office within the Fostoria Learning Center at 342 Perry St. Presenting sponsors for this year's event include: Clouse Construction, Corp., First Federal Bank, Frankart Electric, The Henry H. Geary, Jr. Memorial Foundation, Independence House/Blanchard Valley Health System and Mennel. Band sponsors this year include: A.S.E. Construction, Biggby Coffee, Ohio Logistics and ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital. More information is available at: www.fostoriafoundation.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/CMG20Invite.pdf The GFCF's mission is to improve the quality of life by building a permanent endowment to support community needs in areas such as the arts, culture, humanities, economic development, civic affairs, education, health and social services. The GFCF now holds a collection of 25 component funds that are pooled and invested with a portion of the income distributed back to the community in the form of grants. Since its inception in 1998, the GFCF has distributed more than $2.5 million in grant awards to nearly 60 non-profit organizations in the area.