Lowry Center on The College of Wooster campus was hopping recently when 200-plus friends and supporters of The Village Network (TVN) joined forces to celebrate and raise money for Ohio’s troubled and abused boys and girls. Every seat in the house was sold according to Lacie Neal, director of community relations for TVN.

The Sweet Jubilation event is Wayne County’s only black tie optional party according to Neal. The evening featured a silent auction, live auction, formal dinner and entertainment. It is the largest fundraising event for TVN with proceeds going to new initiatives and expanded programming.

“Along with the great crowd, there were a record number of live auction items and more silent auction pieces this year,” said Neal. “The committee put together some unique packages which attracted a lot of bidding.”

One of the unusual items was naming rights to a sandwich at TJ’s Restaurant in downtown Wooster. High bidder will work with the chef to recreate their family’s favorite sandwich. It will be part of the menu for six months, with a portion of the sales donated to TVN.

Tickets to a practice round at the 2012 Masters Tournament with $1,000 spending cash captured a lot of attention as well as the NASCAR Charlotte Experience. It included driving a 600hp NASCAR around the Charlotte Motor Speedway with the Richard Petty Driving Experience.

A circa 1880s Freedlander’s sign was also part of the live auction. The vintage sign had a chalk board bottom and was used by farmers to advertise the day’s produce items. A Freedlander’s sign at the end of a farmer’s driveway had additional significance. It identified the home as a safe haven for Underground Railroad passengers.

“The Wayne County community has always been a solid supporter of The Village Network,” said Neal. “Without their support, our ability to help Ohio’s most vulnerable youth would not be possible. We are deeply grateful.”