THIRD ANNUAL VALENTINE’S GALA 

Rediscover Martinsville will hold its third annual Valentine’s Gala dinner and dance at Art Sanctuary on Saturday, February 11. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with dinner served at 7:00 p.m..  After-dinner dancing to the big band swing sounds of the Stardusters band will begin about 8:00 p.m.. Tickets are $40 per person, $75 per couple, or $300 per table of eight. Tickets can be purchased now at Blackwell’s 96 N. Main St., and the Greater Martinsville Chamber of Commerce, 109 E. Morgan St., Martinsville, or from any Rediscover Martinsville Board member.

 This year, dinner will return to a hot, buffet-style offering of delightful favorites, including hand-carved beef tenderloin, rosemary chicken, salad greens, a variety of side dishes, and a decadent dessert buffet featuring a luscious chocolate fountain. A vegetarian entrée will also be available at special request.

 Featuring hot instrumentalists and a sultry vocalist, the Bloomington-based Stardusters Swing Band recreates the exciting golden age of American Big Bands while tipping its hat to contemporary artists like Brian Seltzer, the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. After dinner, Stardusters will have you jumpin’ and jivin’ the night away.

 The popular silent auction will continue to offer surprises, including gift baskets, locally produced art and craft, antiques, professional services, and unique Indiana dining, travel, and cultural arts activities.

 The Valentine’s Gala is Rediscover Martinsville’s most important fundraiser of the year. Money raised is invested in downtown projects that benefit the entire community, such as the new flower beds on the corners of the courthouse square, family fun activities like outdoor films and concerts, and activities that promote downtown businesses such as the recent Martinsville Cookie Stroll. Sponsor support of and participation in the Valentine’s Gala will help make future projects possible.  These include façade improvement opportunities, business promotion and marketing, welcome and wayfinding signs, and additional landscaping improvements and special events and activities.

 Modeled on the National Main Street program and a chartered member of Indiana Main Street, Rediscover Martinsville is a not-for-profit volunteer organization committed to enhancing downtown Martinsville as a vibrant center of activity and fostering the preservation and development of Martinsville’s unique cultural and architectural heritage. For more information about activities and to get involved, visit Rediscover Martinsville on Facebook, go to www.rediscovermartinsville.com, email rediscovermartinsville@gmail.com, or call 765-352-8261.

Thanks to all of these businesses for supporting the Valentine Gala for 2011! Look for them with your upcoming needs!