On Saturday, Feb. 16, the community will be dancing the night away at the second annual Moonlight Masquerade to raise money for the Hospice Angel Foundation, a charitable foundation for Hospice Advantage EAMC and Bethany House.
"The Hospice Angel Foundation helps our patients when they're having financial difficulties," said ShaKoya Harvey, volunteer coordinator for Hospice Advantage. "If they're having some type of hardship, our foundation can help assist them with that."
Hospice Advantage is an advocate for patients with life limiting illness and the staff provides end of life care for the patients and families.
The Moonlight Masquerade will feature a live band, dancing, silent auction, heavy hors d'oeuvres, balloon pop and wine pull. Attendees can purchase a balloon for $5 to participate in the chance to win gift cards, or they can purchase a wine cork for $10 and be eligible to win bottles ranging from $10-$300.
All prizes and items available for the silent auction are donations from local businesses and will help raise additional funds for the foundation.
"Our community is a huge part of it," Harvey said. "It's really warming and touching to see the community doing things like that. It's good to know we have some honest people."
One hundred percent of the proceeds go directly to the foundation to help patients.
Eboni Austin, an intern for Hospice Advantage EAMC and Bethany House, said she is most excited to see patients at the event and see people come together to support a good cause.
Last year's Moonlight Masquerade was interrupted by bad weather, causing the power to go out and the staff to scurry to make accommodations. Harvey said they pulled out a piano and the band continued to sing while they lit candles and used glow sticks to light the room.
"What ended up happening was a beautiful depiction of what we strive to do each day at Hospice Advantage," said Christine McIntosh, volunteer coordinator for last year's fundraiser. "Many times we walk into situations where families and patients feel like they are sitting in the dark. We come in, sit with them and shine some light on their situation."
Tickets are on sale for $100 per person, $700 for a table of eight or $900 for a table of 10. The event will be held at Robert Trent Jones Marriot Hotel from 7-11 p.m.
"It helps bring the community together by telling them about Hospice, and kind of gives a better understanding of it," said Lauren Barkley, previous volunteer and senior in creative writing.
To receive more information or to purchase tickets, contact ShaKoya Harvey at 334-826-1899. Tickets are available until Friday, Feb. 8.
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