ELYRIA — Sandi Laubenthal is known for thinking up creative ways to bring people to her downtown restaurant.

The owner of Moss’ Prime Rib and Spaghetti House has set up tables in Ely Square and served patrons under the stars, and she’s let lunch diners enjoy meals al fresco.

But her latest endeavor — encouraging patrons to dress up as pimps and prostitutes for a “Pimps and Hos’’ party that was to be held Friday night, but was canceled after The Chronicle-Telegram asked about it — went too far, some in the community say.

“If our community tolerates these kinds of things, this is not the kind of community I want to live in,” said Jeanine Donaldson, executive director of the Elyria YWCA, a nonprofit organization that also runs a women’s shelter.

In her role, Donaldson said she spends her days trying to teach women to love and respect themselves and their bodies. Knowing a party glorifying the highest form of female exploitation was being held less than a mile from the shelter floored her, she said.

“You know when something isn’t right, and I knew this was not right from the moment I heard about it,” she said. “I’m not condemning the people who would show up to the party. They will have to do their own soul searching to determine if that is the kind of image they want to portray in the community. But there are some things you just can’t stay silent on.”

Donaldson said she also took issue with the party from a racial standpoint. The image of the pimp or the prostitute is used to stereotype black men and women in a derogatory and degrading manner, she said.

“You can have a vibrant business where people will want to come without having this kind of event,” she said. “Just have a costume party or a masquerade party. Why set out to have a party with this kind of connotation? What’s next? A gangster party?”

Laubenthal, who is running as the Republican candidate for the City Council’s 2nd Ward seat defended her decision to throw the party during a phone interview — calling it a simple costume party that would be a lot of fun. Within an hour, however, she told The Chronicle the party was canceled and hung up the phone without answering additional questions.

City leaders, many of whom might turn to Laubenthal for help in running the city should she get elected, were speechless when told of the party.

Mayor Bill Grace sighed when he learned of the event.

“I’m at a loss for words,” said Grace, a Democrat.

Meanwhile, Councilman Garry Gibbs, R-3rd Ward, said Laubenthal had the right to run her business any way she sees fit, but he also said she had to take into account public perception if she plans on being an elected official.

“Once you take a role as a public official, you have to hold yourself to a higher standard,” he said.

While the party was not sponsored by Main Street Elyria as a downtown event, Director Tamela Grubb said she applauds Laubenthal’s attitude toward bringing people downtown.

“Sandi just elevates things to a different level,” she said. “Sandi always has creative ideas for her establishment. This is one she is willing to try. She’s not afraid to at least try anything.”

Grubb said Laubenthal didn’t ask for assistance from Main Street Elyria’s or to have the event placed on the organization’s Web site and Grubb did not offer.

Beyond that, Grubb, who was interviewed before the party was canceled, said she was not worried about what it would do to downtown for one evening.

“Knowing that Sandi has a reputable business and knowing the clientele she is promoting to, I can see it being a fun event,” she said.

Contact Lisa Roberson at 329-7121 or lroberson@chroniclet.com.

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