On October 12, hundreds of children, parents and grandparents will experience a magical evening to remember. The Royal Ball, a formal, red carpet gala experience for children ages two to 12 years, is set to be a huge success. In fact, every ticket - a total of 320 - has already been sold, but the inquiries have not ceased.
With six months down and only two weeks left to go, planning the inaugural event is already proving to be a worthwhile endeavour, as a fundraiser and as a much sought-after affair.
Weyburn's children are not only in for a real treat, they are set for an adventure like no other. Although the idea for the event was inspired by a similar event happening in another city, the planning committee for The Family Place Royal Ball has been busy creating a unique experience that is best-suited to Weyburn's children.
"We wanted to do a fundraiser that reaches our children," said Dawn Gutzke, Executive Director of The Family Place.
"We're geared toward children and families," said The Family Place Office Manager and Royal Ball Event Co-ordinator Sheryl Hoff. "So when the idea came across the table, we just ran with it and thought, 'why wouldn't we offer something for the children?' There aren't many things around in the area that are just for the children."
Children will attend the ball dressed as little princesses, princes and pirates. The parents are absolutely expected to dress up as well, for everyone will be in their finest attire that evening, as befits royalty. Although not every girl will be a princess and not every boy will be a pirate, everyone will be dressed to suit the occasion - using creativity, of course.
"We do have a couple of boys who've said they want to be princesses," said Jeannine Coghill, Educational Assistant at The Family Place.
A few girls are also planning to attend as pirates.
No matter what roles are explored, everyone in attendance will enjoy royal treats, hors d'oeuvres, regal entertainment and activities, raffle prizes, singing and, of course, dancing!
Adults will be able to bid on silent auction items, for which donations are still being accepted. Anyone interested in contributing should take items directly to The Family Place.
With a wait list and so many more wanting to attend next year's Royal Ball, the planning committee is happy to see such a good response to a first-time fundraiser.
"It will be an annual event," said Hoff.
Children will be able to explore a number of themed booths, including Belle's Beauty Salon and Tinkerbell's Fairy Dust Forest. A magical Wish Fountain will also add to the red carpet treatment.
The organizers are taking full advantage of the venue. The lower level of the McKenna Hall will become a pirate's lair, complete with a pirate's ship that has been created by a local volunteer. Children can even walk the plank during the event.
"There are so many little surprises and things that the children can look forward to," said Hoff. "For the parents and grandparents as well, there are going to be some really awesome, elaborate things for everybody there."
Hoff said that about half of the tickets sold were for the adults who will be accompanying the children. She hopes that everyone will dress up, because there will also be a professional photographer in attendance.
"We will have a photographer there, to capture the special memories," said Hoff. "It's not very often parents and children get dressed up like that, other than Halloween."
Until this year, The Family Place has held two main annual fundraisers, the Gargantuan Garage Sale in April and the Festival of Trees in December. The employees are hoping that, by adding a third fundraiser to the roster, covering expenses at the centre will be made a little easier.
As an exciting fundraiser, specially designed for children, the event will be a success no matter what the monetary outcome might be in its first year.
"It's been so much fun planning - and finding our 'inner child', too - in making the event so much fun for the kids," said Sheryl Hoff.
"People can look forward to this for earlier next fall," Hoff added, noting that the Royal Ball will be a regular event for September.
Children of all ages - including grown children - can look forward to many years of treasured memories and royal delights.
