More than 235 people turned out for the first-ever Newtown Youth Services musical extravaganza Saturday night at the Fireside Inn. The event raised more than $15,000 for the organization created 13 years ago to serve Newtown’s youth.

The evening featured a tasty and abundant buffet dinner followed by dancing, an auction, and a visit from Marilyn Monroe.

“Usually our events are youth and family focused, but this particular night was really for all the people who support us all through the year,” noted Youth Service’s Anita Arnold. “It was really more of a celebration of the things that we do there, as well as a fundraiser because we really needed one.”

Last summer’s Youth Services carnival was washed out due to rain so some of this year’s programs were in jeopardy, Mrs Arnold said. However, thanks to the efforts of co-coordinators Bob Tendler and Claudia Coopersmith, the much-needed money was raised and everyone had fun at the same time.  After dinner, the partygoers – many of them from the Baby Boomer generation – hit the dance floor. Disk jockey Johnny Rozz spun tunes from the 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s, and today. In addition, Jack and Jean Burns and Virginia King put on an impressive exhibition of ballroom dancing.

  Bob Tendler and Richard Coopersmith served as co-auctioneers during the auction, while Jim Shpunt and Rick Mariani sold raffle tickets. Among the items auctioned off were Yankees tickets and a home cooked meal for 12 at the Coopersmith residence.

   The month of May is “Celebrate Youth Month” in Newtown.