Taste of Pike County: “Putting on the Ritz” Raises Over $10,000 for Local Senior Services
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(Piketon) – The Pike County Senior Center was transformed into a dazzling 1920s nightclub on Saturday, October 25, 2025, as the Community Action Committee of Pike County (CAC) hosted its signature fundraising event, Taste of Pike County: Putting on the Ritz. The evening proved to be an extraordinary success, raising significant funds to support vital senior services throughout Pike County.
Guests were transported back in time to an era of elegance and opulence. The Senior Center glowed in hues of gold and black, setting the stage for an evening of glitz, glamour, and giving. Flappers, gangsters, and dapper guests arrived in style, greeted by the sounds of swinging jazz and the sparkle of a transformed venue that felt straight out of the Roaring Twenties.
The night began with a lively Cocktail Hour, where guests mingled, enjoyed wine and signature drinks, and captured memories at photo stations filled with 1920s flair. The Silent Auction buzzed with excitement as attendees browsed a vast collection of donated items—from handcrafted goods to luxury experiences—all generously contributed by local businesses and community members.
When the festivities moved into the dining room, anticipation filled the air for the Celebrity Chef Competition. Local culinary contributors delighted guests with a lineup of creative appetizers, including Joy Bauman’s Shrimp Scampi Dip, Debbie LeBrun’s “Corn”ucopia Bites, Dwight LeBrun’s Loaded Baked Potato Poppers, Amber Wheeler and Michael Curtis’s Mushroom Rockefeller, and Chef Chris Liano from Brass Monkey Restaurant’s Huntsman’s Rose.
Guests cast their votes for their favorite dish, and to their surprise and delight, Amber Wheeler and Michael Curtis were crowned this year’s Celebrity Chef Champions!
The culinary experience continued as Chef Liano and his team from Brass Monkey of Waverly served a spectacular dinner, featuring Chicken Waldorf Salad, Venison & Beef Meatballs, Chicken Noodle, and Steak & Veggies, topped off with a decadent Mini Sawdust Pie dessert.
Throughout the evening, Judge Paul Price served as Master of Ceremonies, guiding guests through the program with humor and heart. As a dedicated member of the CAC Board of Directors, Judge Price shared his deep appreciation for the organization’s impact on the community—especially the Senior Center’s essential role in supporting older adults.
CAC President & CEO Keith Pitts reflected on the proud history of the Senior Center and shared his vision for its future, while Karla Lindsey, Director of Senior and Transit Programs, highlighted the program’s impressive accomplishments—including the distribution of more than 649,000 meals to seniors in 2024 alone.
The evening’s excitement peaked during the Live Auction, led by local auctioneer Tommy Brewster, where spirited bidding took place for items ranging from golf outings to vacation packages.
In a touching moment, Karla Lindsey presented a surprise recognition award to Melody Lucas in honor of her more than 20 years of dedicated service to the Pike County Senior Center and her unwavering compassion for the seniors she serves.
By the end of the night, the community’s generosity had helped the Senior Center raise over $10,000, funds that will directly support essential programs such as meal delivery, transportation, wellness initiatives, and social activities for Pike County seniors. Funds were not only raised through the auctions, but also through event sponsorships with Valley View Health Centers, Kirchhoff Automotive, Desco Federal Credit Union, Boyer Funeral Home, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 575, Brewster Real Estate & Auction LLC, Southern Ohio Connections Systems (SOCS) Fiber, United Energy Workers Healthcare, G&J Pepsi, National Church Residences Bristol Village, Atomic Credit Union, and Long’s Retreat Family Resort.
“The success of this event is a testament to the generosity and spirit of our community,” said Karla Lindsey. “We are deeply grateful to our sponsors, volunteers, chefs, and guests who made this evening so special. Their support ensures that the Pike County Senior Center can continue to make a difference in the lives of our seniors each and every day.”
The CAC and Pike County Senior Center extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed their time, talent, and treasure to make Taste of Pike County: Putting on the Ritz a night to remember—and a shining example of community in action. For more information about the Pike County Senior Center, what services they involve, or join an upcoming meal, please visit pikecac.org or call (740) 947-5555.
