Get Dressed Up and Attend the Sojourner House’s Fifteenth and Final Masquerade Ball
Continue your enthusiasm for dressing up and desserts at this year's ball, under the theme of "Venetian Twilight."
Amy Lovera at the Sojourner House Masquerade Ball. Photo courtesy of Sojourner House.
Once Halloween is over, many of us wish for more opportunities to dress up for a theme party. Before the holidays set in, Sojourner House is hosting its fifteenth and final Masquerade Ball on Fri., November 21 from 7-11 p.m. at the Graduate Providence, and tickets are now on sale. This year’s theme is “Venetian Twilight,” inspired by “traveling back in time to Renaissance Italy— the birthplace of the masquerade ball.” Guests can anticipate an evening of live music, dancing, artistic performances, classical music and shimmering cocktails.
A Venetian-inspired cake competition will also take place at the masquerade ball, inviting local bakeries to create a confectionery masterpiece that matches the theme. Guests will take in and taste the entries, then cast their vote for their favorites. Guests are invited to dress up in ball gowns and intricate Italian attire, maybe even black and white stripes like a Venetian gondolier (though they might not have room for the boat on the dance floor).
The Tropigals performed at the Sojourner House Masquerade.
This highly anticipated Sojourner House event upholds its mission of gathering critical funds to support the group’s victim advocacy and violence prevention work. The organization began in 1976, when a group of Providence residents and Brown University students, staff and faculty members came together to provide guiding resources to help victims and survivors of abuse. Since its formation, Sojourner House has assisted more than 60,000 individuals in rebuilding their lives after abuse. The goal for this year’s annual fundraiser is to raise $200,000 to support victim advocacy work and expand the life-serving services they provide to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.
Clients of Sojourner House have access to emergency shelter, transitional and permanent housing, clinical therapy, necessities such as food and hygiene products, intensive case management, immigration advocacy, support groups, sexual health advocacy and other services. The focus is going even further as they are making the organization is making its way to schools and professional settings across Rhode Island to facilitate violence prevention education as well as workshops.
The Masquerade Ball will include an Italian-inspired cocktail hour, a silent auction, hors d’oeuvres and special performances. Plus, Rhode Island Monthly will be a big part of it, as I was asked serve as an emcee with my friend, Elyse Major, the editor-in chief at Hey Rhody.
Guests at the Sojourner House Masquerade.
Shannon McDonnell of Sojourner House asked me a few questions about what Sojourner House’s mission means to me.
1. Why do you think the work of Sojourner House is important?
Domestic violence is often a silent tragedy. We have seen horrific things in the news when victims do not have the necessary support to leave an abuser. Sojourner House helps provide a safe place and services for survivors to get back on their feet while they plan for the future.
2. Can you share a fun memory from a past Masquerade Ball you attended?
I loved dancing to all the ‘80s hits from the band Toys 2 Men last year, including “Jesse’s Girl” and “Pour Some Sugar on Me.”
3. Is there a film, television show, or book with a masquerade ball scene that you love?
The ball scenes in “The Gilded Age.” I wonder what it must have been like to attend those over-the-top events in Newport’s past, and how women were able to dance the night away wearing ballgowns complete with corsets, petticoats and long white gloves. I’m glad our version of glam is more comfortable!
4. Tell us about your favorite Masquerade Ball cake!
I most remember the spinning Celestial-themed cake from Flower Bakery. Not only was it impressive in presentation, with revolving layers and golf-leaf accents, but the tres leches flavor was outstanding!
Tickets are $150 per person or $250 for a VIP Ticket, which includes a glass of prosecco and a seat at a table. There will be a cash bar at the event.
