By Pat Forrest
If your idea of a good time is to get dressed to the nines, put on a fancy mask, and head out for an evening of fine dining, dancing, and merrymaking, The Howard Ball is just the ticket. You’ll feel even better knowing that, by being there, you are helping others who are less fortunate in our community and giving them a hand up in life.
The Howard Ball: A Night of Masquerade and Mystery is the John Howard Society’s annual fundraising gala, now in its third year. Slated for November 5 in the Valhalla Inn Ballroom, the ball features an elegant four-course meal, entertainment, a silent auction, a mystery jewelry box sale, a chance to win raffle prizes, and a dance floor and DJ to get your feet moving. The event raises funds for the society’s rehabilitative residential programs that offer interim housing to men and women who are currently involved, or at risk of becoming involved, in the criminal justice system. Some funds will also go to the United Way.
“By having a safer place to live, individuals are confident that their basic needs will be met and they can focus on addressing the underlying factors that have put them at risk,” says Kevin Haynen, John Howard Society’s acting executive director. “We work with each of them to develop care plans that both build on their strengths and help to protect them from future hardships and involvement in the criminal justice system.”
Tickets can be purchased at John Howard Society’s offices, 315 South Syndicate Ave. (cash, credit card, cheque), Habitat for Humanity, 660 Squier St. (cash only), Lakehead Motors, 951 Memorial Ave. (cash only), or online at eventbrite. The price for all that fun while doing some good is just $80 each, or $750 for a table of 10.
