In an effort to preserve Lake Erie lakefront across northern Ohio, the Lake Erie Foundation is partnering with SoLSTAY, a floating houseboat and cottage village at 2312 River Ave. in Sandusky.
Sandusky: Floating village of tiny houseboats going up this summer
The two organizations will host a fundraiser Sept. 23 to benefit the Lake Erie Foundation and its efforts to keep Ohio's Great Lake clean.
Olivia Hartley, operations director for SoLSTAY, said the event will feature a variety of local businesses.
"We will have a silent auction and lots of raffle items from local businesses," Hartley said. "Some of the businesses that have already donated raffle items, include Shores & Islands, tthe African Safari Wildlife Park, Miller Ferry and Doughin' Crazy, and more are in the works."
Raffle prizes include gift packs from the Cleveland Guardians, as well as coolers from Yeti and other items, SoLSTAY owner Joseph Lisa said.
Seeing as part of SoLSTAY sits on the lakefront, the two organizations have similar goals in mind, Lisa said.
"This particular property is a mixture of cottages and floating houseboats," he said. "Lake Erie Foundation as a whole, they're obviously trying to make Lake Erie better and continue to help clean and purify Lake Erie, and make it something that can be enjoyed for generations."
Lisa said it was a no-brainer to hold the fundraiser.
Hartley said the event will feature food as well as live music from The Forgotten Band.
Rounding things out, the event will have a food truck The Strawberry Cow, which features flavors from Sandusky-based creamery Toft Dairy.
Lisa spoke on the importance of making SoLSTAY and, by extension, the Lake Erie Foundation an important piece of the Sandusky community.
Beyond local recognition, the two organizations hope to drive conversation about keeping the lake clean for future generations, he said.
"It's important as a whole to be a part of the local community," he said. "We get people from Spain; we get people from Australia.
"Just being part of the local community ... Is super important to us because we live here, too, you know."
The SoLSTAY fundraiser for the Lake Erie Foundation will take place from 4 to 7 p.m.
The event is free and the public is welcome.
