Local “celebrities” will be reaching for the stars at the 8th Annual Celebrity Dance Gala March 6, 2027 benefiting the Marion Women’s Club & Historic Home.
“Starry, Starry Night” is the theme for the annual charity celebrity dance gala, with funds raised designated for the Club’s exterior window restoration project estimated at more than $125,000. “We know the window restoration project is a big undertaking,” explained Valerie Wigton, president. “But we’re confident our next gala will provide us with enough funds to begin the project in phases. Our community continues to help us reach for the stars every year!”
Windows in the historic home, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, have suffered severe weathering and deterioration since it was built in 1903. The project includes the addition of preservation-grade storm windows to maintain the integrity of the original building for generations to come, Wigton added.
“Starring” as celebrity dancers are: Joe Blue, manager-Momentum Telecom; Amy Kay Daniel, platinum teller-United Federal Credit Union; Evan Geyer, insurance advisor-Dostal & Kirk; Shane Kimmel, general manager-Taylor Automotive Group; Evelyn Lisiecki, Latino Ministry-St. Mary Parish; Jenny Lust, owner Spruce & Sparrow and Elena Renee; James Walker, planning aide-Marion County Regional Planning Commission; and Megan Wilson, president-Alluvial Tax & Planning. Local dance instructors volunteering their expertise to work with dancers for the 2027 Gala are: Kim Bradshaw, Sarah Stalter, Amanda Zucker, Melissa Bollinger, Kenny Creviston, Eric Julian “EJ” Walker, Don Ewell, and Dave Bargar.
“Our Club has been blessed with individuals who are willing to volunteer their time and talent, teaching and/or learning a specific dance style, working on their own time, and ultimately, performing in front of over 200 people,” explained Doris Schwartz, Club board member and gala dance captain. “They’ve helped us raise a record amount of funds over the years – and have helped raise awareness of our Club, our mission and programs.”
A limited number of tickets are available for the 2027 gala, with another sellout expected. To obtain a ticket, contact a dancer or instructor.
“Our community, sponsors and our members have joined together to provide critical funds at each and every gala since 2019,” Wigton added. “These funds are always designated for projects that preserve and protect the historic Barlow home and property – a true gem in our community, and one worth preserving,” Wigton added.
Last year’s gala proceeds are currently being used to build a new back porch onto the north side of the historic home, replacing an unsafe and dilapidated structure that had uneven steps and crumbling wood. The 2026 gala “fund-a-need auction” raised funds to “pave the path” from the neighboring AgCredit parking lot (used for overflow parking) to the Club’s historic home and Auditorium. Both projects should be complete in October.
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 its founding in 1895.
The Club’s 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 1126 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
