Organizers of a charity fundraiser for persons with developmental disabilities are pulling out all the stops in an effort to raise the 18th annual Festival of Trees’ profile.
“I wanted to create an event full of eye candy,” said Julie Akre, coordinator of the Powell River Association for Community Living (PRACL) masquerade gala dinner and auction event, which takes place on Saturday, November 23. “Even if there is a lull in the evening there’ll be something to look at.”
This is the first time a coordinator has been hired to pull the event together.
Years prior, the charity dinner was held in a restaurant. “But this year we’re having it at the Dwight Hall,” she said.
The evening includes a masquerade ball with live music and auctions. Dinner is catered by Chef Dave Bowes of the Laughing Oyster.
“I really wanted to raise the event up to where I think it should be,” said Akre, “...to create an event that would help give to those in this town that need it so much.”
The evening begins at 5 pm with an hour of music from Walter Martella on piano and Cathy Reckenberg on violin. Vancouver Island vocalist Emily Spiller will perform later in the evening.
Outside, fire performers will dazzle the audience with their moves.
Indoors, Paul and Ann Clements will perform a ballroom dancing number with other professional dancers.
Artist Autumn Skye Morrison will attend and paint an image throughout the evening.
All the performers for the evening are donating their time and skill to the cause, said Akre. “It’s all pay it forward.”
The evening will also include live and silent auctions. Items include a Calgary Flames jersey signed by the whole team, two nights at the Fairmont Hotel in Whistler and packages for stays in Victoria, Vancouver, Lund and on Savary Island.
Money raised at the gala goes to PRACL’s Wish Fund, used for special medical, dental or equipment needs. The fund also helps pay the costs for clients to be reunited with family members.
“Some of the clients here in Powell River come from institutions that no longer exist,” said Akre. “When they were born they were separated from their family and a lot of them don’t even realize that they have some family out there.”
The money also supports outings, like camping. “It’s all designed to provide a better quality of life. Things that you and I take for granted every day.”
Tickets are $50 each available at the PRACL office (201-4675 Marine Avenue), The Sweet Shoppe and the Festival of Trees display both in the Town Centre Mall, or by contacting Akre at 604.414.5916.
