HAVEN will present the 5th annual “Love Me Tender” event on Valentine’s Day, Feb. 14, at Lincoln Lanes in Merrill. This year’s event will include a dinner show with performances by Elvis Presley tribute artists Chris Lonsdorf and Dakota Pongratz. They will entertain with a variety of Elvis’ music from throughout his career. There will be an entrée choice of a 10 ounce steak or bistro chicken for the dinner which begins at 6 p.m. The performance will start at 7 p.m. Tickets for the dinner show are $25 and must be purchased in advance by Wednesday, Feb. 12. Tickets for the “performance only” are $12 available in advance and at the door.  
Then on Saturday, Feb. 15, HAVEN will present many local performing artists in two Variety Shows, also at Lincoln Lanes. There will be afternoon and evening shows at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.  Those lending their talents to benefit HAVEN are Don and Dawn Swan, Paul Kienitz, Karen Cournaya, April Lessor, Double Take, Eric Leigh, Mark Robl, Chris Lonsdorf, Tim and Stella Lonsdorf, Theresa Schmeltzer, Jose Garcia, Erich Wallace, Scott Wilson, Elena Janowiak, James Lloyd and Monique, Hunter Dux, Courtney Pagel and Matt Henley. Tickets for either Variety Show performance are $10 for adults, $5 for ages 6-17, and free for children 5 and under.
Tickets for both “Love Me Tender” and the Variety Shows are available at First Street Coffee Station in Merrill, and from HAVEN at 715-536-1300. Proceeds will help support the work of HAVEN (Household Abuse Victims Emergency Network).  
HAVEN is a non-profit agency and United Way affiliate which serves people who are affected by domestic abuse, sexual assault, child abuse and elder abuse by providing secure shelter, advocacy and resources. The shelter and main office are located in Merrill. Office hours are also held on Mondays at the Tomahawk Annex. If you need help or more information, please call the 24 hour crisis line at 715-536-1300.