The Butler Arts Council of Butler County will hold its first "Affair of the Arts" fund-raising event on Aug. 20. The black-tie affair will be held at Slippery Rock University's Student Union.

"It will be an evening of good food, entertainment, dancing and chance," said Donald Rasely, vice president of the arts council.

Some $8,200 in prizes will be awarded, including a trip for two to Italy in November with an overnight boat cruise on the Mediterranean Sea.

"Prizes will be awarded in a 'reverse raffle' format. Only 600 tickets have been printed. Each ticket donation is $125, of which $75 is tax deductible," Rasely said.

"Winners need not be present to win, so even if folks are going on a vacation but wish to support the arts council, they can buy a ticket and deduct the whole amount if they are unable to attend. There will be designated drawings of money throughout the evening, with numbers chosen at random, as well as additional prizes," Rasely said.

The evening begins with appetizers in Rocky's Grill at 6:30 p.m. A gourmet buffet follows at 7:30 in the multi-purpose room. The venue is handicap accessible.

Complimentary dinner wines are being provided by local wineries and a cash bar will also be available.

Musicians from Slippery Rock University will provide cocktail entertainment. Guests will end the evening dancing to the Anthony James Band.

Dan Cox, president of the arts council, is excited about the event.

"A benefit such as this one, as well as the 'Evening With Michele Pawk' on Sept. 18, demonstrates a 'coming of age' of the council; that is, that the council can successfully mount an event of this size and scope. It helps to establish a track record of our ability to accomplish something for the community.

"This benefit will also help ensure a stable financial position for the council for the coming months, and will provide a solid start towards the first phase of our project.

"Those who buy a ticket to the gala will, aside from the obvious benefits from winning a prize, help guarantee future expansion of the arts in Butler County, providing opportunities for artists and their audiences, as well as create opportunities for the youth of the county," Cox said.

The council's current fund-raising effort will go to Phase I of the Butler County Cultural Village and the restoration of the council's home at 421 N. Main St.

"We are looking forward to the purchasing and renovation of the Troutman Estate. We would like to restore it completely to the Victorian era and have begun research to that end," Rasely said.

The Butler Arts Council consists of 11 community organizations. Some include Blazing Star, Butler Little Theatre, Butler Symphony, The Musical Theatre Guild, Sing Hosanna!, The Associated Artists of Butler County and the Butler Summer Dramatics program, which are all dedicated to the promotion of the creative and performing arts.

For ticket information, contact Don Rasely at 724-283-4829 or Mary Ann McCandless at 724-282-4333.

Tickets can also be obtained at the Butler Symphony Office. The Butler Arts Council of Butler County is a nonprofit organization.