It's time get suits and evening gowns out of the moth balls - on Saturday, Oct. 17, Sea to Sky Community Services Society (SSCSS) presents the annual Diamonds and Pearls Gala Fundraiser at Totem Hall from 5:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.
"We don't have a lot of events in Squamish where we get all dolled up and go out for the evening," said Lindsay Burke, co-organizer. "So it's nice to have an event like this."
This is the SSCSS's second year of running the gala, and the hope is that funds raised from both last year's and this year's event will contribute to the SSCSS's fund to build their own building in downtown Squamish.
"It's an in-the-works project," said Burke. "Right now we work out of a few different places. We rent all those buildings and we just don't have space in them for all our services. The need just keeps growing for community social services, so the hope is that we will get them all under one space."
SSCSS is off to a good start as The United Church finishes building a new location and hands over the remaining portion of the land to SSCSS.
The formal event promises to be festive and entertaining, with a cocktail reception, a sit down dinner, a silent auction, and live music from local dance bands 3rd Octave Down and Bluesberry Jam.
"We have a wonderful full-course meal, with appetizers and a late night snack," said SSCSS executive director Lois Wynne.
On the dinner menu is chicken and beef tenderloin, and there is even some venison in one of the appetizers.
"We tried to put a little of the Squamish Nation theme in [the dinner]," said Burke, referring to the venison appetizers.
Included in the silent auction are weekend getaway packages to Whistler and other destinations, as well as First Nation carvings, and other pieces of local art.
New to the event this year is a photo booth, where guests will have the opportunity to have a portrait of themselves in their splendid attire.
There will also be "cheeky fun and games" said Burke, adding that last year's guests had a really good time.
Totem Hall has seating for 300 guests, and those hoping to get in should get tickets soon -last year's event sold out. Tickets can be purchased from SSCSS and cost either $100 per person or $700 for a table of eight. For more information, call SSCSS at 604 892-5796.
