Leadership Butler County raises curtain on new project with murder mystery dinner
Leadership Butler County is hoping fans of “Mobsters, Molls and Marinara” will join them for some fun and to raise some cash.
For the past nine years, the leadership class has hosted a murder mystery dinner show to fund its chosen charity project. This year’s event features a 1920s theme and takes place from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15, at the Atrium, 1031 New Castle Road, Franklin Township.
“I think we are going to build on what has already been done and put our own flair into it as well,” Phil Thompson, chairman of this year’s leadership class, said of the murder mystery dinner. “It’s going to support a good cause.”
The event will feature a dinner, the murder mystery show and fundraising items such as basket raffles and a 50/50 raffle. Those attending also can join in the fun by wearing 1920s outfits.
“Mobsters, Molls and Marinara” murder mystery dinner
WHEN: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15
WHERE: The Atrium, 1031 New Castle Road, Franklin Township
TICKETS: Available online on the Butler County Chamber of Commerce’s website, starting at $65 for an individual ticket, or $675 for a full table of 10 people, which includes reserved and priority seating.
OF NOTE: The event will feature a dinner, the murder mystery show and fundraising items such as basket raffles and a 50/50 raffle. Those attending also can join in the fun by wearing 1920s outfits.
“The event is capped at 300 people,” Thompson said. “Some classes in the past have been able to sell out. Our goal is to get to the cap. We are on our way to making that happen. There are a lot of tickets left, but we have gotten a lot of participation already.”
Thompson said last year’s class raised around $15,000 during its murder mystery event, which this year’s class hopes to meet or exceed.
The 2025 class opted for not one, but two projects — the first enhancing the playground at St. Wendelin Catholic School and the second establishing a Butler County Community College scholarship fund, with the goal to provide one $500 scholarship per year.
“These people I have gotten to know over the past few months are some the hardest working people I have met,” Thompson said. “I know we will make a difference in the community because of the people in the class. I think it’s a testament to the program as a whole.”
Leadership Butler County is run by the Butler County Chamber of Commerce and is entering its 32nd year. It encompasses 13 educational sessions that take place over one year and culminates with a community project. Every Leadership Butler County class hosts multiple fundraising events throughout the year to not only help fund the group’s selected projects, but help class participants expand their leadership skills by working together.
