Bling-filled gala to raise funds for United Way
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Officials with the United Way of Aroostook are hoping a gala will help the organization reach its fund-raising goal this year of $520,000.
According to Campaign Chairperson Ginny Joles, the UWA’s first Denim & Diamonds Gala will be held Saturday, April 9, at the Crow’s Nest, 150 Maysville St.
“Attendees from all over northern Maine, New Brunswick and beyond are invited to wear their jeans and diamonds or ‘diamond-like bling’ and enjoy this casually-elegant evening. The Denim & Diamonds Gala features heavy hors d’oeuvres served at food stations, cocktails, silent and live auctions, and musical entertainment by 2011 Northern Star Dashawn Russell, of Limestone, and the recently-named Northern Star United brother-sister duo, Gabrielle and Christian Sirois, of Drumond, N.B.,” said Joles.
Also joining the lineup of entertainers will be a well-known radio personality.
“Lamar Richardson, the people’s weekly movie critic and occasional co-host of the ‘Bob & Sheri Show’ will be the keynote speaker and serve as master of ceremonies and co-auctioneer with United Way of Aroostook President Donald Zillman,” Joles said.
Joles said the Denim & Diamonds Gala “should be an entertaining and fun way to push us closer to this year’s campaign goal of $520,000.”
“The evening will feature an elaborate and wide range of silent auction items, a live auction, entertainment and an elegant array of food and beverage offerings. We look forward to haggling over fantastic auction deals and listening to a meaningful message from Lamar about justice and living peacefully and united in our communities,” she said.
The evening’s event will conclude with crowning gala royalty and determining the lucky winner of diamond earrings, valued at $1,500, which will be showcased throughout the evening under a locked dome.
“One of 200 keys will unlock the denim-lined glass case. Keys will be sold for $10 before and during the event. Once all keys are sold, individuals will try their keys to unlock authentic bling, donated in partnership by Wilder’s Jewelry Store and the United Way of Aroostook,” said Joles.
All proceeds from the Denim & Diamonds Gala benefit the UWA general fund — funds that are distributed to various programs throughout the county.
UWA Director Claudia Stevens said during the Little and Junior Miss Presque Isle pageants — also fundraisers for the organization — that this may be the first year she can recall that the agency may not meet its goal. She indicated the poor economy factored into the equation, with people struggling to make ends meet and therefore not having as much spare change to share with nonprofits.
Stevens said the Denim & Diamonds Gala idea came about as a way to help boost fund-raising efforts, in hopes of meeting this year’s lofty goal of over a half million dollars.
A number of items will be auctioned off during the gala, including a special brunch with the guest speaker.
“In addition to gems and jewels, one of the treasured auction items is ‘Breakfast with Lamar.’ Underwritten by Citadel Broadcasting’s Q96.1, Lamar will join the highest bidders — a party of six — for brunch at an undisclosed private home the following morning, before he flies home to Charlotte, N.C.,” said Joles. “For more than eight years, Lamar has regaled radio audiences with his Southern-flavored movie reviews and shared insightful commentary on everything from the sad state of television to the Zen of fried food.”
Joles said gala-goers are encouraged to wear their best dress denim with elegant diamonds, cubic zirconium, rhinestones, pearls or flashy costume jewels.
“Another option is to wear a favorite outfit with jewel-studded denim and leather. All fashion combinations are acceptable, the brighter the better,” Joles said.
Guests can also select their favorite queen of the Denim & Diamonds Gala from a slate of individuals, who will be collecting ahead of time or during the event $1 votes from friends and family.
“Members of the Royal Court are yet to be named. The richest contributor will reign for one year, until the next annual Denim & Diamonds Gala,” she said.
A variety of delicious treats will be available for sampling throughout the night.
“A ‘mashtini’ station will be among the foods offered, featuring either mashed white potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes in a stemmed glass. Participants will top their potatoes with a variety of items to their liking, including: broccoli, sour cream, bacon bits, chives, cheddar cheese, butter, pecans, brown sugar, marshmallows and/or cinnamon. A vegetable station, meat-carving station and dessert station will be available at both ends of the banquet area, as well,” said Joles.
Two free beverage tickets are included in the price of admission. A cash bar will be available thereafter.
Tickets to the Denim & Diamonds Gala are $20 per person or $35 per couple. Tables of 10 for $175 are available to sponsors, with recognition on the event banner and in the gala auction program. For tickets and additional information, contact Sherry Jackson at the UWA, 764-5197, or acunited@mfx.net. Photos of individual auction items can be previewed at the UWA’s website, www.untiedwayaroostook.org.
