VARN to celebrate 10th anniversary with Cow Country Ball fundraiser

Volunteers Attorneys for Rural Nevadans and its Domestic Violence Victim's Assistance Program will celebrate VARN's 10th anniversary Friday at the annual Cow County Ball at Fuji Park Exhibition Hall.

VARN provides free legal services to low-income individuals and families, domestic violence survivors and abused and neglected children. It uses nearly 100 percent of funds raised from the Cow County Ball to continue its services.

"We need the community to support us so we can continue to provide these free services," said Odessa Ramirez, program director.

She said in a typical divorce, an estimate for the cost of legal services is $5,000.

"That's a low average," she said.

The menu for the evening includes chicken and ribs and various salads and desserts, catered by A Catered Affair.

Live music will be performed by Judge Michael Griffin and Red Dugan's Ramblers. Griffin plays guitar and sings.

Tickets are $50 in advance at the VARN office, 904 N. Nevada St., Suite B; or by calling 883-8278. Tickets will be $60 at the door. The ball begins at 6 p.m.

A raffle and silent auction will include items such as a breeding with "Buckshot," the 2001 Breyer's Morgan stallion model owned by Terri Parks; airline tickets; a cruise on Lake Tahoe; ski lift tickets; weekend getaways; show tickets; rounds of golf; restaurant gift certificates and more.

"The name came about because we provide services to rural areas, and many rural areas are known as cow counties," Ramirez said.



• Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com or 881-1223.



If you go

WHAT: Volunteer Attorneys for Rural Nevadans' annual Cow County Ball

WHEN: 6 p.m. Friday

WHERE: Fuji Park Exhibition Hall, Old Clear Creek Road

COST: $50 in advance; $60 at the door

CALL: 883-8278