The Ironton City Schools Foundation is getting an assist from college football's No. 1 team.

Mark Snyder, assistant football coach for the national champion Ohio State Buckeyes, will be the guest speaker for the Ironton City Schools Foundation wine and cheese party fundraiser to be held from 7-9 p.m. Saturday, March 1, in the Mains Rotunda on the campus of Ohio University Southern.

Event chairperson Eva Christian is excited about the fundraising event and having Snyder, a 1983 graduate of Ironton High School, as the event's speaker.

"Having someone like Mark Snyder as the guest speaker means a lot to our event because Mark feels a strong commitment toward the Ironton city schools.," Christian said.

"What happens academically to the Ironton city school makes his job easier. It helps him recruiting players for Ohio State because of the importance placed on academics by coach (Jim) Tressel and his staff."

Former Ironton All-Ohio standout and current Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Redgie Arden will be on hand along with past recipients of Foundation scholarships. The former students will talk about what receiving these scholarships has meant regarding their continued education.

The Ironton Academic Foundation provides scholarships for deserving students to attend college.

The fundraising event will feature several items to be given away in various auctions including a football signed by the entire Ohio State Buckeyes 2002 National Championship team.

Also available will be a raffle for two tickets to the Ohio State 2003 season opener. Donations will be accepted during the fundraiser.

The foundation was formed in 1993 by Ironton High School alumni who wanted to provide a lasting funding program for the schools concerning a wide-range of activities that would help improve the overall education and promote the secondary system.

People interested in attending should contact Jeff Handley at the Gear-Up office at 533-4556. Handley will provide information concerning donations for attendance either in advance or at the door.

"We're hoping for a big turnout," Christian said. "Donations are the main source of income for the event."