It’s time to get dressed up, put on your dancing shoes and have a night on the town.
On Saturday, Feb. 16, Seekhaven Family Crisis and Resource Center is hosting its annual event Puttin’ on the Ritz.
The fun kicks off at 5:30 p.m. at the Grand Center, 182 N. 500 West, and will continue until 11 p.m. This popular event sells out every year so get your tickets while you still can at seekhaven.org.
“Puttin’ on the Ritz is Seekhaven’s biggest fundraising event of the year,” Seekhaven’s administrative assistant Elaina Budris said. “Proceeds go to supporting our mission of empowering individuals and families to survive domestic violence and sexual assault, and to thrive in a strengthened community.”
Since 1990, Seekhaven has offered a number of services for domestic violence and sexual assault victims in Grand County and southeastern Utah, including a crisis phone hotline and an emergency shelter for women and children. The organization also offers crisis counseling, counseling referrals, legal and medical advocacy and support groups. All of Seekhaven’s day-to-day services are offered free to the community.
“A variety of state grants support the day-to-day services that we provide,” Seekhaven’s executive director Maddy Fisk said. “The money we raise at the Puttin’ on the Ritz event is particularly special because these are unrestricted funds. This money does not have the same red tape that our state grants do, so we therefore have a bit more freedom to provide client services when the need is particularly high, such as (providing) hotel rooms when our shelter is at capacity.”
Event participants will enjoy catering by Atomic Lounge owner and local chef Tim Buckingham. Ambient tunes and dancing jams will be provided courtesy of DJ Cozy Soul, host of the Heart Beats show on local KZMU Community Radio.
Moab resident and Utah State University Small Business Development Center director Beth McCue has been to several Puttin’ on the Ritz events and plans to go again this year.
“I love attending Puttin’ on the Ritz, not only for the fun and enjoyment of the event, but for the purpose of supporting Seekhaven’s cause,” McCue said. “I think Seekhaven is so very important to this community and the clients it serves. The need, sad to say, never goes away. Seekhaven continues to help the families in need both with the shelter and the other many services they offer.”
There will also be a silent auction, where attendees can bid on items donated from a variety of local businesses and artists.
This year there will also be several artistic educational installations on display. These include 3D tape sculptures, “Survivor Love Letters” and more.
The business community has lined up to support Puttin’ on the Ritz. Business sponsors include Red Cliffs Lodge, The Synergy Company, Sorrel River Ranch, Byrd & Co. Real Estate, Real Estate Company of Moab, Aarchway Inn, Zions Bank, Desert Rivers Credit Union, Emery Telcom, Zax and Moab Regional Hospital.
Popular event benefits local nonprofit
“I love attending Puttin’ on the Ritz, not only for the fun and enjoyment of the event, but for the purpose of supporting Seekhaven’s cause.”
When: Saturday, Feb. 16, from 5:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: Grand Center, 182 N. 500 West
Cost: $60 for general admission
Contact: Tickets may be purchased online at seekhaven.org
