MARIETTA - With drug and alcohol addiction among youth continuing to be a battle in communities across the nation, helping support groups battle that trend is a necessity.
That's why officials announced Thursday the 29th annual Broughton Ice Cream Social, set for July 8 at the Washington County Fairgrounds, will benefit the Right Path for Washington County.
"We think this year's benefit is extra important," said Dave Broughton, general manager of Broughton Foods. "You can hardly escape any mention of drug and alcohol abuse in the community."
Article Photos
Photo by Kevin Pierson
Stacy Filkovski, right, dips ice cream for guests with Cheryl DeWitt after a press conference announcing the 2012 Broughton Ice Cream Social will benefit the Right Path for Washington County and the Dominion Resources Food Pantry fund of the Marietta Community Foundation at the Washington County Health Department on Muskingum Drive Thursday.
The Right Path is a service organization committed to helping provide alternative activities for youth and promoting good decisions - decisions that don't involve substance abuse, explained Cathy Harper, coordinator for the Right Path.
Over the previous 28 years, the Broughton Ice Cream Social has generated more than $450,000 to benefit 36 community organizations.
Right Path officials will share the proceeds from this year's social equally with the Dominion Resources Food Pantry fund of the Marietta Community Foundation. The Right Path works with food pantries on its annual Rightditarod fundraiser, and wanted to assist the 11 local pantries with their service to the community.
Fact Box
If You Go
What: 29th annual Broughton Ice Cream Social.
When: 2 to 6 p.m. July 8.
Where: Washington County Fairgrounds.
Cost: $3.50 in advance; $4 day of the social.
Source: Broughton Foods.
"We're just really honored and excited to be the 29th year's recipient," Harper said.
The Right Path, in partnership with the food pantries, was selected out of a field that averages seven to nine community service groups each year, Broughton said.
Combining the focus on youth development with the aid to the food pantry, this year's social could be the best ever, he said.
Research shows that youth who are engaged and active in their community feel more connected to the people around them, and are less likely to make destructive decisions, Harper said.
Marietta city Councilman Michael Mullen, I-at large, will again serve as the master of ceremonies for the social, set to run from 2 to 6 p.m. Guests can have all the ice cream and root beer floats they want.
"I appreciate the opportunity to be part of this fabulous community event," Mullen said.
Performances during the social will include The Faculty, The South of the River Band, Joe Williams and Deep River, and finally, Mullen's group The Moon Band.
Tickets are $3.50 in advance and $4 the day of the social. Tickets are available at Broughton Foods Company, any Washington County food pantry, the Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce, Peoples News locations, Apex-True Value, We Luv Pets, Warren's IGA, Williamstown Auction Center, White Oak Pharmacy, Hickory Grove Country Market, Belpre Kroger, Belpre Savings Bank, Newport IGA, Waterford Commercial Bank, Beverly Citizens Bank and B&W Pharmacy.
