APRIL 2026 — Marion businessman Cass Sisler was named “Overall Dance Champion” at the 7th Annual Celebrity Dance Gala March 7 benefiting the Marion Women’s Club & Home and presented by OhioHealth.
Sisler, along with Dance Instructor Sarah Stalter, danced to a medley of songs which featured a guitar solo – and a cartwheel. Marionite Jon Fetter and instructor Autumn Deeter, and Amanda Styer, with instructor Kenny Creviston, received the “Judges Performance Awards” for their Jive and Latin/Salsa dances (respectively).
Other local celebrity dancers participating in the charity fundraiser were Lily Lloyd, Sarah Hogan, Liz Feliciano, Robb Koons, and Jay McDonald, whose dance partners were Don Ewell, Eric Julian “EJ” Walker, Dustin Rawlins, Kari McDorman, and Melissa Bollinger.
The annual fundraiser brought in over $98,000 – exceeding last year’s record. “This overwhelming outpouring of support shows just how much our community believes in preserving and protecting the Marion Women’s Club Historic Home and property,” explained Club President Valerie Wigton, who also served as Gala Chair. “Many guests told me what an asset this piece of history is to our community.” Gala proceeds will be used to build a new back porch onto the north side of the historic home, replacing an unsafe and dilapidated porch that has uneven steps and crumbling wood. “Several falls have occurred – and so this was a high priority in our ongoing preservation efforts,” Wigton said.
In addition, gala funds will be used to “pave the path” leading from the neighboring AgCredit parking lot to the Club’s historic home and Auditorium. “Gala guests as well as renters use this lot for overflow parking,” Wigton explained. “Having it paved will allow our guests to walk safely on a paved sidewalk, enhancing their experience.” Plans call for lighting to be added along the path and signage will also be added as well.
“We are so grateful to feature 44 sponsors and numerous in-kind donors this year – many who have been a part of this annual fundraiser since our first gala in 2019,” Wigton pointed out. “Each year, we reach out to additional businesses and individuals in the community who are excited to be a part of the gala and eager to support the dancers involved. This year was no exception.”
For example, Wigton said Marionites Terrie and Steve Phillips carried out the Gala theme to a tee. “We chose our theme, Dancing in the Rain, a year ago,” she quipped. “And this year, we had rain and storms a week before the gala. So, it was especially appropriate to see umbrellas hanging from the ceiling and ‘floating’ in the air, thanks to the expert design work by Terrie and Steve. They have donated their design and décor expertise for our past several Galas. We are so grateful to them – and to all of our sponsors.”
In addition to the historic home, built by Ida & Shauck Barlow in 1903, the property now features the Women’s History Resource Center, which was the original carriage house for the Barlows. Dedicated in 2025, the Resource Center houses the Club’s complete collection of archives that date back to the itss founding in 1895. The archives are believed to be the most complete set of records featuring the women’s history movement in the United States.
The Marion Women’s Club is responsible for preserving and protecting the property, located at 1196 E. Center St., Marion, It is on the National Register of Historic Places and part of the “ReMARKable Ohio” bronze marker program.
Membership is open with $75 annual dues. For more information, visit MarionWomensClub.org
