Dueling Pianos fundraiser to support Friends of the Homeless Oct. 18

Friends of the Homeless of Tuscarawas County is planning a fundraiser which will delight music lovers in the area. Dueling Pianos, performed by Piano Maniacs, is set for Oct. 18 at 5 p.m. at The Marilyn in New Philadelphia. 

Friends of the Homeless Board President Rev. Joseph Svancara said money raised from the evening will primarily fund general operation of the shelter. “We’re doing a couple of things in tandem. Right now, we’re raising money for the operational side of the homeless shelter. That is what allows us to offer programs and services to the community. At the same time, we have the building project for Jack’s House of Hope, which is ongoing and we’re still raising funds for that. That is in the midst of construction now. But for this event, we’re focusing on the operations side of the shelter.” 

Another purpose of the event is helping the community better understand the mission of Friends of the Homeless. “Not many people know extensively what our shelter is about. This is another chance to bring the community in to demonstrate everything that’s happening and show how we are actively contributing to the community.” 

The event’s silent auction will offer sports and music memorabilia, jewelry and works by local artists. Snacks and a cash bar will also be available. To participate in the silent auction online, follow the link at www.givebutter.com/c/awZxjZ. To purchase advance tickets at $50 per person or $80 per couple, visit www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/dueling-pianossilent-auction.

"The entertainment should be fun and unique," said Svancara. “Piano Maniacs offer two musicians, each at their own piano and they kind of playfully go against one another. So it makes for a fun party atmosphere.”

Svancara said there are numerous ways to support Friends of the Homeless of Tuscarawas County. “One big thing is to simply come and visit and see all that we are capable of offering people in the area. We also have a volunteer program in which people can volunteer their time, their skills or their services to help our guests in a number of ways. We also accept food donations so that we can put together food boxes for those in the community who might not have enough to eat. We also have a pantry that people can contribute to financially.”

Svancara said the shelter depends on local contributions. “Only about a third of our budget is coming from grants or the state or federal government. Two-thirds of our revenue comes from the private sector. That is why we are constantly reaching out to the community so people have a good understanding of the important work we do here.”

Friends of the Homeless of Tuscarawas County is the area’s only homeless shelter, founded in 2005. It is unique among such facilities in the extensive way it seeks to help guests learn new skills and find jobs to help get them back on their feet and into their own home. 

The Marilyn is a small event venue at 1260 Monroe St., New Philadelphia. Friends of the Homeless Shelter is at 211 East High Ave., New Philadelphia. Tickets for Dueling Pianos are also available by calling Rev. Joseph Svancara at 440-396-4151.