The Sweetheart Dinner and Dance to benefit The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley and celebrate its 70th anniversary will be held from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Parkersburg Art Center. (Photo Provided)

PARKERSBURG — The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley will celebrate its 70th anniversary with a Sweetheart Dinner and Dance fundraiser from 6-8 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Parkersburg Art Center. The event will be catered by Valley Catering and will feature a cash bar, a gift basket raffle and live music by Insured Sound.

Tickets are $85 per person, $150 per couple, or $600 for a reserved table of eight. Tickets can be purchased at https://thearcmov.org.

The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley is a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring individuals with intellectual, cognitive and related developmental disabilities live satisfying and productive lives. Since its founding in 1955 by parents seeking alternatives to institutionalizing their children, The Arc of the Mid-Ohio Valley has grown to serve over 3,500 families and individuals annually across a 10-county region in West Virginia, even expanding into parts of Ohio.

“As we celebrate 70 years of service to our community, this Sweetheart Dinner and Dance provides a wonderful opportunity to come together in support of our mission. Every dollar raised helps us empower individuals with disabilities to live full and meaningful lives,” Michelle Curtis, the Arc executive director, said.

More than 20 programs and services are provided by The Arc that are funded through various sources including private and corporate contributions, government grants, United Way allocations and revenue generated from its two thrift shops.

Among programs and services are:

* WV Birth to Three: Operating under The Arc’s umbrella, services are provided to infants and toddlers under 3 who have a developmental delay or are at risk of having delays in the future. This early intervention program is crucial for ensuring positive outcomes for these children.

* People First of WV Self-Advocacy Group: This group empowers people with disabilities to advocate for themselves and improve their quality of life by equipping them with essential skills and knowledge in self-advocacy, self-determination, and leadership.

* The Arc Thrift Shops: Located at 904 Broadway Ave. and 1915 Dudley Ave. in Parkersburg, these shops serve as nonprofit fundraisers. Proceeds support The Arc’s programs and services while providing training opportunities, volunteer and community service hours and affordable items for those in need.

The Arc also offers nine public dances, Secret Christmas, Inclusive Summer Day, Arts for the Underserved and Health and Wellness programs. The fundraiser proceeds will support these vital programs and services, allowing the organization to continue positively impacting the community. Sponsorship opportunities are available at various levels, offering businesses and individuals a chance to show their support and contribute to the organization’s mission.