Mystery dinner theater planned

The Vernon County Cancer Relief Fund has been a part of the Nevada community for several years, and so has the civic group the Dianas. Now the two groups have joined forces to present the VCCR winter fundraising event to the community.

Winter events in the past have always been near Valentine's Day and featured a romantic theme, lasagna dinner and auction. Along with the partnership with the Dianas, this year's event will be different in other ways as well. The event will still have a Valentine's Day theme, but volunteers from both organizations have worked to create a new facet to the evening that they hope will make the event a success, according to VCCR board member Mike Turnbull.

The Dianas decided to get involved because the founder of the VCCR, the late Jody Renwick, was a charter member of the Dianas. Turnbull said, "in her honor they're working with VCCR to help us -- kind of a tribute/memorial to Jody." The Dianas also have a history of putting on stage productions. They staged regular productions at the fairgrounds many years ago.

With that in mind, and the VCCR's notion of wanting to do something different, this year's fundraiser will be a mystery dinner theater, according Turnbull. "It's exciting to do something different and offer the community some fun for the evening," he said.

Chris Stiles of the Dianas is excited to partner with VCCR. They have supported the group since it began in 1987. "It's a worthwhile organization that helps a lot of people in Vernon County. We're all about promoting good things in the city and county," Stiles said.

Turnbull wouldn't give away many details about the production, but he did say that it is set during the Valentine's Day holiday and involves a group of people, including a U.S. Senator, who are trapped in a mountain ski lodge because of an avalanche. As the comedy unfolds, the death of the stumping senator and the ensuing who-done-it is sure to keep guests on the edge of their seats with laughter. Both groups hope it will be a fun evening for guests. Turnbull said, "I hope we can continue to give the community an opportunity to support us and get something back for their support."

The fundraising event will be held in the Nevada Elks bingo hall on Saturday, Feb. 11, with a social hour lasting from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., when the traditional lasagna dinner will be served. Normally, a semi-formal affair, this year's dinner is a little more relaxed. Stiles said that guests are encouraged to wear their favorite sweater or ski apparel. There are 300 tickets for the event available at a cost of $20 per person.

Tickets are available from any VCCR board member or any member of the Dianas. For information about tickets or the event call (417) 667-7424.