'Cruise to the Music' set for July 19 in Jim Thorpe

The United Way of Carbon County will host its seventh annual "Cruise to the Music" from 1 to 10 p.m. on July 19 at Jim Thorpe Memorial Park.

Ninety-five percent of the money collected at the event will benefit 17 area nonprofit organizations.

Last year, "Cruise to the Music" raised between $10,000-14,000. This year's goal is $15,000.

The biggest and possibly most exciting part of the night will be the "celebrity" dunk tank.

Participants can take a shot at plunging Jim Thorpe Mayor Michael Sofranko, County Commissioner Tom Gerhard, Jim Thorpe Chief of Police Joseph Schatz or Jim Thorpe High School Principal Tom Lesisko into a tub of water.

Eight "celebrities" will be available for dunking.

"As the mayor, I've had people dunk me because they got a speeding ticket or there was something we didn't do," said Sofranko.

"It's amazing what they'll tell you when they've get a ball in their hand and they can put you in water."

The event will kick off with a car cruise featuring classic cars as well as customized pickups. Awards will be given for first-, second- and third-place and dash plaques will be given to the first 50 vehicles.

There will be live entertainment featuring 11 different acts, including rock band "A.D.D.," singer and acoustic guitarist Kristopher Scherer, and cover band "Nightwind."

There will be a gift auction with over 100 prizes up for grabs. Hershey Park tickets, Dorney Park tickets, and whitewater rafting packages will be raffled off.

Area nonprofits Family Promise, Nesquehoning Fire Company and the Penn State Cooperative Extension PROSPER Project will be selling food during the cruise.

A beer garden and winetasting vendor will also be showcased.

Organizers say it's great food that you'll feel good about buying.

"If you buy some food, you're helping somebody who's homeless. If you have a glass of beer, you're helping somebody who needs heat," said Lisa Bleicher, president of United Way of Carbon County and co-chair of the Cruise.

"So you're getting some fun out of the deal, but you're also helping others at the same time."

"(Helping) out any organization just goes right back into the community. Any way we can bring the community together to help all of Carbon County is beneficial," said Sofranko. "All local people are involved. Local bands, local faces they see on TV, it's all local that are helping out."

Volunteers are still needed for the cruise. Possible volunteer duties include helping food and craft vendors, crowd control and setup and cleanup.

"Just come and have a good time," said Dr. Lisa Bleicher, United Way president and co-chairwoman for the event. "Even if you come and listen, it's free to attend, that's the coolest thing. So if you want to come and just sit and enjoy the music and the activity going on the area, it's just a lot of fun."

Those looking to volunteer, enter their car in the cruise, or donate to United Way should contact Bleicher at 570-242-2466.