Denny Schaffer returns to host MS benefit disco party
Written by Emily Gibb | | egibb@toledofreepress.comFormer Toledo radio host Denny Schaffer is bringing back the funk at the Disco Party Dance MS benefit for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society Northwest Ohio Chapter on April 15 at the Erie Street Market Civic Center.
“I’m really excited about coming back. I’m happy to be a part of it and help raise money,” Schaffer, who now lives in Atlanta, said.
For about 10 years, Schaffer organized disco parties to raise money for various charities, but this one is special for him.
Tricia Courtney Tischler, his former “Breakfast Club” co-host on 92.5 FM, was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) more than 10 years ago. Tischler joined the MS Society in 2003 as the director of media for the Northwest Ohio chapter.
“I just dearly love this woman and respect her,” Schaffer said. “I see how MS has impacted and affected her life and I want to do more.”
Schaffer
Schaffer was considering throwing another disco party since it had been about five years since the last one and Tischler was trying to find fundraising ideas for the organization that provides support and assistance to people living with MS. Dance MS then fell into place.
“During a time when the economy is struggling so much and our clients are struggling twice as much,” Tischler said, “our donations are down and our need is higher. To have an additional event like this to help us raise money is very perfectly timed.”
The MS Society holds Walk MS events and a Bike MS event each year, but this benefit will have a much different vibe.
“People will not be disappointed when they come,” Schaffer said. “It’s a night of incredible music, incredible atmosphere and you’ll feel like it’s the ’70s again.”
Tischler said she doesn’t like going to bars or large parties, but the disco parties, thanks in part to the infectious music, are “a whole different ball of wax.”
“You dance until you’re sweaty and tired and have an awesome time with your friends,” she said.
Before Schaffer worked in radio, he was a discotheque DJ in the ’70s. With help from a couple friends, he will be spinning tunes so people can boogie all night long.
“All of the stuff I learned back then, I’m doing today,” he said.
Schaffer said he is looking forward to returning to Toledo and seeing familiar faces and old friends.
He’s excited about throwing another party and seeing people who used to come to his disco parties during the ’90s bring their kids, who are now old enough for the 21 and up event.
Tischler said there is not a featured speaker and people are not asking guests for more money after it begins.
“It’s a party. You pay the ticket price to get in and a bulk of that goes to help the 3,400 people that the MS Society serves in this area,” she said.
Although they do not know how many people to expect, half of the tickets are already gone, Tischler said.
Ticket prices start at $25 for general admission, $350 for a VIP table and $500 for a Gold Circle table. Tickets are available online at dancems.org, over the phone at 1-800-fight-ms, option 2 or in person from the MS Society, 401 Tomahawk Drive, Maumee. Tickets will not be sold at the door.
Tags: Denny Schaffer, multiple sclerosis, Tricia Courtney Tischler
