For those looking for a romantic way to celebrate Valentine’s Day and help others at the same time, the Red Rose Charity Ball is the place to be.
The fourth annual dinner dance will be held at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 9 at Solomon Run banquet hall, 146 Mount Airy Drive, Richland Township.
The event will benefit Windber Area Community Kitchen (WACK), a nonprofit group that serves two free monthly meals from 4 to 6 p.m. at Windber Calvary United Methodist Church, 1800 Stockholm Ave.
Dress is semiformal for the ball and some men choose to wear red ties as a symbol of their support for WACK’s efforts.
The doors open at 6 and the dinner will be served at 6:30.
Dancing, with music by DJ Dancin’ Dan, will begin at 7:30.
Missy Agypt of Windber, event chairwoman, said the theme of this year’s ball is “Fire and Ice,” and the hall will be appropriately decorated to add glitz.
“Up to 22 tables will feature decorative centerpieces that will be given away during the evening,” Agypt said.
“There will be an ice sculpture and red and white decorations to create a festive atmosphere.”
Richland Fire Department has donated the use of its Solomon Run facility for the ball and will cater the dinner, which will feature roast chicken breast, glazed ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, tossed salad, roll and butter and coffee. There also will be cheese platters and homemade cookies, which will be served during the cocktail hour.
A basket raffle and silent auction will offer chances on the donated prizes and baskets.
WACK is accepting items or cash donations for door prizes and the auctions.
Heather Grillo of Windber will be available to take commemorative pictures of those attending the ball.
WACK, along with area businesses, youth groups, civic organizations, and church groups, cook a meal that is free of charge to whomever would like to attend. They are serving 100 to 150 people each meal.
Agypt said the gala makes it possible for WACK to continue helping the needy.
“The money from the ball goes toward supporting a good cause,” she said.
“It guarantees that not one person in Windber should be going hungry for at least two times a month.”
Meals are generally served on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month.
Linda Houghton of Windber, chairwoman of WACK and a gala committee member, said proceeds from the event pay for various expenses.
“This charity event accounts for most of the money we use to buy supplies, pay a small stipend to a kitchen manager and use for other expenses that come up during the year,” said Houghton.
Today is the deadline to secure tickets. No tickets will be sold at the door.
“The sale of tickets is limited because under current code restrictions, the occupancy limit of the banquet hall is 150 people,” Houghton said.
“We also have some soft rock music during dinner that adds to the atmosphere.”
Cost of the ball is $25 a person, which includes food and beverages.
For tickets, call Houghton at 467-6590, Agypt at 410-5526 or Dee Fisher of Windber at 467-7593.
Fundraiser
What: Fourth annual Red Rose Charity Ball.
Where: Solomon Run banquet hall, 146 Mount Airy Drive, Richland Township.
When: 6:30 p.m. Feb. 9.
Tickets: $25.
Registration: Deadline is today.
Information: 467-6590, 410-5526 or 467-7593.
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