Lip Sync Battle to raise funds for local domestic violence task force

One of the more popular shows on cable television is Lip Sync Battle, where celebrities dress up in costumes and lip sync to popular songs.

The Lawrence County Domestic Violence Task Force has taken that concept and brought it to Ironton as a fun fundraiser to support their efforts. On Saturday, local talent will get on the stage in the Ironton High School auditorium and perform. This is the second year for the  event.

Elizabeth Bell, the shelter advocate, said this year there are 11 performers including, Ironton Mayor Katrina Keith, attorney Mark McCown, attorney Brian Cremeans, City of Ironton benefits specialist Mark Dickess, Susan Taylor from AT&T and groups from the Sybene-Chesapeake Senior Center, Star Community Justice Center, People Centered Services, Lawrence County Humane Society, Land of Goshen and Lawrence County officials, including Lawrence County Municipal Court Judge Donald Capper, Commissioner DeAnna Holliday, Treasurer Stephen Burcham and Clerk of Courts Mike Patterson. Bell will be warming up the crowd with a performance of the Taylor Swift song, “Shake It Off.”

Bell said they will perform in costume and some will even have backup dancers, but she wouldn’t say what songs they will be performing.

“I like there to be a little mystery,” she said. “We want to give the community something fun to attend. It’s good clean fun. We will be promoting what we do, but it gives us a chance to come together and have a fun evening.”

Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students. To purchase advance tickets, call the Lawrence County Domestic Violence Task Force at 740-532-7111 or visit their Facebook page.
The proceeds from the event will go to the task force’s programs.

Bell said that they have to raise matching funds to get grants from the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.

“This is just a great way of getting the community involved and raise awareness of domestic violence and of our program, because a lot of Lawrence County citizens aren’t even aware that we have shelter in Ironton,” she said. “So, this brings the community together and helps raise funds to help domestic violence victims become self-supporting and get on the right track.”

The task force provides shelter, clothing, and more to domestic violence victims and their children. They also have programs to help them get medical help, get job skills, counseling child care and transportation to help them get back on their feet.

The group is always looking for donations of food, money or toiletries for their shelter.

Donations may be sent to the LCDVTF at P. O. Box 311, Ironton, Ohio, 45638.