By Linda Lane
A dance and fundraiser for Vicksburg Athletic Boosters will be held from 7:30 p.m.-midnight Feb. 24 at Indian Run Golf Course. Entertainment will be provided by DJ Joe DeBiak, who has provided music for the event since 2002.
When the event was begun as a fundraiser many years ago, the band Endless Summer played and only accepted a small fee for providing the music, according to DeBiak. “I was honored and excited to get involved when the band retired but I’m not sure of the year. The band was a big draw and no one was certain how a DJ would be received after such a long tradition of classic live music. Things went great at the first one I did, with many compliments regarding the variety of music and dance floor participation. Although there have been a few years along the way that the event wasn’t held, I’ve DJ’d each one ever since, even coming back to Vicksburg do so during a 6-year stint of living near Indianapolis, donating most of my services,” DeBiak recalled.
It is sponsored by the Vicksburg Athletic Boosters to raise money for the high school and middle school athletic programs. Cost to attend the event is $20 per person at the door with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. Tickets can also be purchased in advance from board members listed on the website: vhsbulldogs.org, under the “Boosters” tab.
The Bulldog Bounce will feature a raffle of various items, including gift certificates donated by local businesses; A “kangaroo” style raffle has items displayed on tables and jars where people pick which items they would like to submit their raffle tickets for to win. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the event for $1 per ticket.
Coaches and parents of athletes as well as members of the general public are encouraged to attend the festivities and support the Boosters endeavors.
“It really is a good time! We have 20-25 percent of people who attend that don’t even have kids playing in the Vicksburg athletics. They come out to support us and have a great time!” said Mindy Reno, acting vice president of the Boosters board. “You don’t have to be a dancer to enjoy a fun night out at this event,” DeBiak said. “It was a night out for parents and community members who share their love and support for Vicksburg athletics. It is also a time for AD Mike Roy to recognize coaches and staff.”