ASHTABULA —
Chuck Oliver has moved away from his hometown of Ashtabula, but every summer he and the other members of his hometown band, The Dizzy Nurses, come back to give back.
The band’s annual Beach Bash Benefit was first held in 2007. The band selects a local charity or organization to benefit from the fundraiser. Past recipients were the Animal Protective League, Independent Living Services of Ashtabula County, Goodwill Industries of Ashtabula, Samaritan House and Ashtabula Arts Center.
“Our biggest thing is it always has to be local and someone who’s in need,” said Oliver, who lives in the Youngstown area.
G.O. Ministries has been selected as this year’s beneficiary. “I went to school with one of the kids who works there, they are good people,” said Oliver, 24.
The bash is at Walnut Beach from 1 to 6 p.m. Aug. 4. Oliver said last year’s event raised about $1,000. The money comes through several channels.
“The T-shirt sales are a major source of income for us,” he said. “They are $10 each and have all of the sponsors on the back.”
Fundraising also comes from the various items and services donated by sponsors. There is a corn hole event, as well — a toss is $1 and every bag that lands on the board enters the player into a raffle for the corn-hole game set.
Three bands will perform: The Dizzy Nurses, Bartrek and Bobbie Dazzler.
Both the Hula Hoop contest and giant beach ball will return to Walnut Beach this year. “We play music while they are Hula Hooping, and if they are too good, we throw out challenges like doing it on one leg or walking in circles,” he said.
The ball is 8 feet in diameter.
To donate, call Oliver at 536-1778, or send an email to beachbashbenefit@mail.com or visit the website at beachbashbenefit.com.
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