By Cassie Lennox

With a major snowfall hitting Portage County this week, residents may be itching to get out of town and travel someplace warm. Luckily, the Passport to Paradise fundraiser has returned, and will feature a sunny Hollywood, California theme to cure those wintertime blues.

The Boys and Girls Club (BGC) of Portage County and the Stevens Point Area YMCA are rolling out the red carpet for their 16th annual Passport to Paradise event, presented by Sentry. The fundraiser supports the youth of Portage County, and will take place from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26, at SentryWorld.

With this year’s theme being Hollywood, guests should be ready to walk the red carpet and dress to impress. There will also be a Hollywood-themed costume contest, so attendees can dress as their favorite stars, too.

“How many times a year do you get to dress up in your formal wear and have a date night, or a night out with your friends?” said Mikayla Jankowski, Events and Marketing Coordinator for the BGC of Portage County. “It’s an opportunity to have some fun in a new way, and it’s all for a good cause.”

To read the rest of the story, pick up a copy of the Portage County Gazette at one of the many newsstands in the area, including gas stations and grocery stores. Or subscribe at www.shopmmclocal.com/product/portage-county-gazette to have weekly copies delivered by mail.

For more information or to subscribe over the phone, call 715-343-8045.