By By MICHAEL C. GUILMETTE JR. / Niles Daily Star
SOUTH BEND, Ind. - Eighty people gathered at The Woodward on Saturday in South Bend, Ind., to help the Niles Service League raise money for scholarships during the group's annual charity ball.
The black-tie optional event began with a prime rib dinner, followed by the singing of Varsity Voices, a student singing ensemble from Brandywine Middle/High School directed by Denise Boger.
Following the entertainment, members of the Niles Service League gave out 80 baskets as part of the basket raffle. The baskets were donated by area businesses and ball attendees entered the raffle by purchasing tickets to be placed into a drawing cup for each basket.
Those who attended the ball included Niles Mayor Michael McCauslin as well as former WNIL morning show host R.C. Clingaman, who also served as the DJ for the evening.
Julie Donohue, organizer for the ball, said the funds raised at the ball is primarily earmarked for scholarships, but the 73-year-old organization also provides hats and coats for needy children in the Niles, Brandywine and Buchanan area.
Donohue said the group does not yet know how much money the group raised on Saturday, but she said she expects the amount to be tabulated later this week and will be released.