The Advocates role in the community is vital to the well being of families, children, men and, especially, women. Preventing domestic violence and sexual assault through education, shelter and support services are important and necessary entities The Advocates provides year round. The Advocates have an ongoing need to support its staff, volunteers, and services from shelter to prevention programs. It is a community non-profit organization for education and support services.
The most important fund raising event for The Advocates is its annual gala dinner and dancing. The 11th annual gala dinner and dancing will take place at Sun Valley's Limelight Room on Friday, June 27, beginning with hosted cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and silent auction at 5:30 p.m. A sit-down dinner and live auction with master of ceremonies Christian Kolberg will follow at 6:30 p.m. there will be dancing after dinner with The High Street Band.
This year's benefit, "It's the Roaring Twenties," is inspired by classic 1920s attire, but cocktail wear is fine. Board member and event co-chair Joanne Wetherell said the event is about raising money, but it's also to have fun. Our goal is raise $300,000. Last year we exceeded our goal, and it was the best attended with over 350 people."
"It has become a known as a really fun event and not just an auction," Wetherell said. "The High Street Band is fun and has inspired the scene this year wearing zoot suits for our theme of the roaring 20s. They always come in costume, and wherever they go, it's a party."
The Advocates have planned the event slightly different this year with a hosted bar and silent auction and cocktail hour on the terrace. This is the first time the event will take place on Friday evening.
"Master of ceremonies Christian Kolberg has been working with us for the last six months putting together for live auction items," Wetherell said. "There are incredible auction items including several fabulous local restaurants who have donated private parties."
Auction highlights include a the use of a private golf estate in Napa, Calif. for six people, a dinner party for 48 at Riccabona's, a classic black Vespa LZ150, a pioneer barbecue for 50 at Warm Springs Ranch Resort or in your own backyard, three nights in a five star resort hotel in Jackson Hole and much more. In addition there will be a raffle prize for two Sun Valley season ski passes and a $5,000 gift certificate from Sturtevants. Raffle tickets are $25 or five for $100. You do not have to be present for the raffle. Tickets for the gala are $150 per person and available at the door. For details, call 788-4191.
Liz Brown and Jess Gelet, left, enjoyed The Advocates silent auction on the Sun Valley Inn terrace.
