John Howard Society to host second-annual masquerade ball

The Howard Ball is a chance to don a mask, get dressed to the nines and help raise awareness about an organization that helps people put their lives back together.

The second annual event, scheduled for next Saturday at the Valhalla Inn, is a fundraiser, the money collected being used to help fund the local chapter of the John Howard Society’s residence program, a place for ex-prisoners to find their feet and re-enter society as productive members.

Executive director Liisa Leskowski said it’s a fun way to put their organization in the public eye – and it’s a lot of fun.

“We’re very excited,” she said. “We’re going to have a great night of entertainment. We’re going to have a lovely four-course dinner, some dancing and of course, some prizes.”

Entertainment will include music, acrobatics and a little magic.

“It’s going to be a great evening for people to come out, put on their best gowns, put on a mask and come out and have some dinner and dancing,” Leskowski said.

Colleen Peters, the John Howard Society’s community residential facility program co-ordinator, added there will also be an aerial ribbonist, acrobatics, tarot-card readings, a WestJet giveaway and a 50-50-draw to keep attendees entertained – not to mention the return of the Pandora’s box, a chance to win more than $2,000 worth of jewelry.

Peters said not everyone in Thunder Bay really understands what it is the John Howard Society does.

“What we really do is increase the safety of the community by assisting people to rebuild their lives, getting them connected to supports and helping them build positive behaviour so they can get back into the community and become contributing members again.”

Tickets for A Night of Masquerade and Mystery are available online at eventbrite.ca or at the John Howard Society’s offices on South Syndicate Street.