Jim and Audrey Tanner don’t have far to go for this year’s Open Your Heart fundraiser for Lighthouse of Oakland County.
The Springfield Township family is hosting it.
“We’ve been attending them for years,” Audrey said. “I was speaking to the Nallamathus, Shivajee and Terri (last year’s hosts), and I said I like to plan parties. Terri said ‘Great! Here’s someone we can pass it on to!'”
Open Your Heart, Feb. 11, is the largest fundraiser for Lighthouse Emergency Services on Sashabaw Road.
They hope for an attendance of about 200 at the seventh annual event.
“Hopefully we’ll have quite a few people here and the weather will be good,” Jim said. “It’s a lot of work to put together, but the end result is helping families.”
“We are extremely blessed to still be working in this economy,” Audrey said. “We promised 25 years ago when got our first job, to help others less fortunate.”
Owners of Tanner Building and Remodeling, they built their 7,000-square-foot home themselves ? a main reason was to entertain.
“Family, friends, neighbors,” Audrey said. “We want to make everyone feel extremely welcome here.”
The fundraiser will include martini bar, bar with beer and wine, food provided by local restaurants, raffles, and, hopefully, dancing ‘they installed a disco ball just for the occasion.
“Lots of conversation and socializing, a great time,” Audrey said. “We’re looking forward to it.”
The Tanners also volunteered their house for the SCAMP House Tour this past summer, and hosted team parties for Clarkston High School.
“We enjoy hosting events and helping out,” Jim said.
Lighthouse Emergency Services serves about 2,500 people in need each year, providing food, clothing, and personal items. The Independence Township office also provides long-term assistance such as employment and continuing education, personal counseling, and foreclosure guidance.
Open Your Heart is managed and organized each year by Clarkston-area residents and professionals who spend months planning the event. Last year’s event raised $35,500 for Lighthouse
Tickets are $100 per person and are by invitation. For more information, call Jennifer O’Byrne at Lighthouse of Oakland County, 248-920-6100 x2123, or check www.lighthouseoakland.org.