A “Raise the Roof” benefit dinner is March 23 at 6 p.m. for the Touch of Life Academy in Desarmes, Haiti. Lisa Whelchel, who starred as Blair Warner in the 1980s sitcom The Facts of Life, and was one of the final three contestants in last season’s Survivor television show, will be guest of honor. Whelchel is also the featured speaker for the Warsaw Women's Expo March 23 and 24. Haiti's schools were devastated by an earthquake in 2010 and the Touch of Life Academy will provide a place of learning for children in Haiti. According to Ryan and Veronica Helser, directors of Missions at Touch of Life Church, “In Haiti, only 10 percent of schools are publicly funded, which means many children do not have the privilege to attend school.” According to UNICEF, only 52 percent of children attend primary (elementary) school. Of those 52 percent, only about 30 percent make it to the sixth grade. The dinner will be held at Whalen Creative Group's new Tourmaline event space in downtown Warsaw on Buffalo Street. Appetizers will be provided by Viand Chef Services, entrée provided by Noa Noa and desserts provided by Cerulean Restaurant. Funds will be used to cover the remaining cost of the school building project. Dinner seats are $150, and 100 percent of the money raised will go toward the building fund. For questions or to reserve your seat contact Ashley Stills by email at info@tommyvancepro.com or phone at 574-527-8675.
