United Way’s “Axe”travaganza was totally tubular for a good cause

MORRISTOWN, Ohio (WTRF) – Bright colors, big hair, sweat bands and leg warmers can only mean that a tubular night of 80s was had in Belmont, Ohio.

The United Way of the Upper Ohio Valley held their first ever, “Axe”travaganza to raise money with live entertainment – not from a boom box.

”Everyone loves the eighties. Everyone loves to dress up every now and then. Everyone loves Tongue ‘N Cheek. So, we thought, why not make it into a fundraiser?” said United Way Executive Director Staci Stephen.

Tongue ‘N Cheek performed some of the 80s most-notable classics for the over 100 people who bought tickets to support.

”What we do is when we play a song, it’s nostalgia. You’re going to remember where you were when you heard it the first time. All those cool feelings of youth and exuberance is going to come back and we’re just going to plain out rock.”

Tongue ‘N Cheek – 80s band

All of the proceeds from this event go towards the United Way’s annual campaign, “Raised Here, Stays Here.”

They assist 26 local nonprofits throughout the Ohio Valley that they partner with throughout the year.

”We were just able to grant $500,000 to those nonprofits. There are several programs such as the Dental Clinic for Wheeling Health Right, the YWCA. We do a lot for the Girl Scouts and some of their scholarship awards. So, it goes to a lot of great causes throughout the Ohio Valley. A lot of these agencies provide crucial services here and so that’s what all this money goes to tonight.”

Staci Stephen – Executive Director, United Way Upper Ohio Valley

Whether it was throwing axes, or throwing hair, it was a chill night of music, food and headbangin’ entertainment.

”It’s always good to help out,” said Tongue ‘N Cheek. “Makes it fun to be able to help out people that need help for sure. We get to rock, and the end result is we’re helping people. Can it get any better than that?”

WTRF was a sponsor of the event where tickets included unlimited axe throwing, music, pool, shuffleboard, a photobooth, koozies, and DiCarlo’s pizza. A prize was also given for best dressed 80s theme!

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