Out & About: Bootlegger's Ball benefits 2 area organizations

Shirley McMarlin
Sunday, July 9, 2023 12:01 a.m. | Sunday, July 9, 2023 12:01 a.m.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

Event sponsors Dawn and Ben Szalay, owners of Quacked Glass Studion and Song of Sixpence in Ligonier, at the Bootlegger’s Ball, June 30 at the Loyalhanna Watershed Association in Ligonier Township.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

Shela and Andrew Gornik, founders of Heroes Never Alone, at the Bootlegger’s Ball, June 30 at the Loyalhanna Watershed Association in Ligonier Township.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

Eileen Siwicki of Warrendale with Tom Smith, board president, at the Loyalhanna Watershed Association’s Bootlegger’s Ball, June 30 at the LWA barn in Ligonier Township.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

Lara and Rodney Little of Unity, voted best-dressed couple, at the Bootlegger’s Ball, June 30 at the Loyalhanna Watershed Association in Ligonier Township.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

Susan O’Donnell of Latrobe and Burce Meyer of Greensburg cut a rug at the Bootlegger’s Ball, June 30 at the Loyalhanna Watershed Association in Ligonier Township.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

Robin Brunton (left), voted best-dressed doll, with Heather Juliussen and Lisa Sullenberger, all of Ligonier, at the Bootlegger’s Ball, June 30 at the Loyalhanna Watershed Association in Ligonier Township.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

Vicki and Joel Leone of Johnstown at the Bootlegger’s Ball, June 30 at the Loyalhanna Watershed Association in Ligonier Township.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

Chris and Natalie Watkins of Johnstown at the Bootlegger’s Ball, June 30 at the Loyalhanna Watershed Association in Ligonier Township.

Shirley McMarlin | Tribune-Review

Lisa Pope of Latrobe and Eric Felack of New Kensington, voted best-dressed guy, at the Bootlegger’s Ball, June 30 at the Loyalhanna Watershed Association in Ligonier Township.

Guests arriving at the Loyalhanna Watershed barn on June 30 were advised that “iced tea” was being served inside.

In the spirit (hint, hint) of the event, it was code for something with a little more kick.

No need to alert the feds that it was a Bootlegger’s Ball, said greeter and LWA board President Tom Smith.

The Prohibition-themed event celebrated “June Thirsty-First” with a toast to the Roaring ’20s and raised funds for the Ligonier Township-based watershed stewardship organization and Heroes Never Alone, a nonprofit providing assistance to local veterans.

Guests in Roaring ’20s garb danced to live music, enjoyed food by Simply Good and sampled whiskey, wine and themed cocktails.

A costume contest yielded these results: Best-dressed doll, Robin Brunton; best-dressed guy, Eric Felack; and best-dressed couple, Rodney and Lara Little.

Heroes Never Alone founders Andrew and Shela Gornik reported that Heroes Never Alone has expanded from providing housing for disabled veterans into also offering PTSD support groups, a Rucksack Rations food program in partnership with Westmoreland County Food Bank’s Military Share Program and service dogs in partnership with Youngwood Top Dog Services and Top Dog Therapy Team.

On a personal note, Shela Gornik recently donated a kidney to one of the organization’s volunteers.

The inaugural Bootlegger’s Ball was organized in partnership with Quacked Glass Studio and Wandering Spirits, both in Ligonier.

Seen: Susan Huba, Dawn and Ben Szalay, Eileen Siwicki, Lisa Pope, Dan and Enid Resenic, Tom and Beverly Ravida, Heather Juliussen, Lisa Sullenberger, Joel and Vicki Leone, Chris and Natalie Watkins, Dawn Hart, Bruce Meyer and Susan O’Donnell.