Now that you have pictured this, it’s time to open your eyes and look around. Think about the army of people it takes to put this together. Wait a minute, it really is a compact list. After the Roberge’s, there is Lasting Love Decor and Design who have been with the event from day one. Then, a small army of volunteers on the day of the event. That’s it, we have unmasked yet another myth. Year round, it is Charles and Brianne Roberge, proving that each person can make a difference. There really is more to this story and I urge you to get a ticket and see it for yourself. Don’t wait long however, this year’s event on September 30th has already out sold the 2017 version. There are more silent auction items than ever before. Some great live auction items and I can personally speak to the entertainment this year, knowing both Soap Box Duo and Brad Saunders. I am told that there are several surprises in the works this year as well. All of this done, a child will benefit and you will have helped and enjoyed doing it. For more information, to purchase tickets or to make a donation, visit their official website.
Think of any red-carpet event you have ever watched on television. It’s not like the first year when you could have gotten away in less than formal clothing. It has grown past that, through the semi formal stage to this year’s full formal wear. This year’s event will be held at the River Cree Resort in west Edmonton, so close your eyes and picture this. As you exit your vehicle and the valet parks your car, you don your mask. It is a masquerade ball after all. Forgot your mask? No problem. As you check in, check in at the entrance, there is a selection of masks for both men and women. They have a price on them, but remember, you forgot and it is a fundraiser. After checking, stop on the red carpet for your professional photo. Then head over to the silent auction room during cocktail hour, listening to the Soap Box Duo providing tunes and entertainment. As the cocktail hour ends and the silent auction starts, head over to the dinning room for a sit-down meal that will rival anything in town. You walk in and WOW!! What a room!! The décor rivals anything you have seen on television or in the movies. Style and panache are everywhere. There are guest speakers throughout the early evening. This year one of the most well-known childhood abuse survivors there is, author, singer, advocate and former NHL-er, Theo Fleury takes the podium. Not only will Fleury be speaking, he will be around before hand at a table of his own. Make sure to pick up a copy of one of his books. There is an emotional video and Brianne asking you to remove your mask, thereby UNMASKING THE MYTHS. The will be a live auction on some of the big-ticket items by auctioneer and host Shane. Yes, this is a fundraiser and awareness campaign, but let’s toss in the fun too. After dinner, there is dance music. The last two years, country artist Steve Newsome kicked off the party and donated a concert to the auction as well. The Oil City Sound Machine kept the dance floor going well into the night. This year’s country component will be Calgary based Brad Saunders with the dance band not announced as of this writing