TORRINGTON – The stage lights are turned off, costumes are back in trunks, and the stars of the show have returned to their everyday lives as coaches, business owners, husbands, sons and fathers.
And another successful Ladies Night Out has enriched funding for the Goshen County fight against breast cancer. The annual event is held at the Rendezvous Center on the Goshen County Fairgrounds, the third Thursday of October.
According to Linda Dawkins, chairman of the annual community service event for the past 10 years, the Beta Sigma Phi Sorority raises about $8,000 a year to help local women get mammograms, and to assist with other expenses, such as gas for medical appointments out of town.
“Last night went really well,” Dawkins said following the event. “Ticket sales were down a bit, but overall, everyone enjoyed the evening and, again, the food was great.”
Dockins said members of Job’s Daughters help serve, and Cottonwood Catering prepares the food, at reduced cost.
The first Ladies Night Out was held in the basement of the Presbyterian Church 15 years ago. It was such a success that it was moved to the Rendezvous Center. An estimated 100 acts have been presented over the years, with new ones added each year.
The 2017 version of Ladies Night Out included 14 acts, featuring dozens of male actors, including appearances from such stars as The BG’s, Katy Perry, The Village People, Twiggy, and even The Golden Girls from TV fame.
Regarding the actors, Dawkins said, “The first time, the men are talked into it, but they almost always come back. And each year we get a few new ones. They include husbands, brothers and friends.”
Dawkins said the actors usually begin preparations about a month before the event, and some of the actors perform in more than one presentation.
“They pretty much do it on their own, choosing music and costumes,” she explained. “And they choose music that the women will know, so that really gets
them interested.”
Proceeds are distributed with the assistance of the Public Health Office, as well as suggestions from acquaintances of breast cancer patients.
“The donations are anonymous,” Dawkins said. “It is all done with consideration for the privacy of the patient. All of the money stays in Goshen County.”
Gauging by the response to the 2017 event, where the audience was singing along, and dancing in the aisles with some of the actors, or by themselves, the majority of the crowd will return for the 2018 show.
“The support is just phenomenal,” sorority member Shelly Miller said, as she helped behind the scenes, and watched the hundreds of women enjoying themselves.
If anyone would like to get help for a friend or relative, they can contact the Goshen County Public Health office.
