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Step behind the mask for an unforgettable evening of music, dancing and more at the inaugural Moonlight Masquerade hosted by Junior Auxiliary of Houma on Saturday, Aug. 22.
The event serves as the replacement for the organization’s Denim and Diamonds fundraiser and aims to provide an enjoyable evening out on the town while supporting the community.
The focal point of the evening will be the Houma’s Dancing with the Stars event, featuring pairs of local celebrities and professionals competing for the championship title. Event Co-Chair Nikki Robichaux said among the mix of professionals is a former Saintsation and an interior designer. Participating celebrities will be kept secret until the night of the event, but the public can take a crack at who they think will appear by posting their answers to clues posted on the Facebook page for the event.
Houma musician Joe Stark and several friends will keep crowds on their feet. A variety of food, an open bar and a silent auction are included with the event. Robichaux said attendees will be reminded throughout the night to place a bid on an item that catches their eye in order to raise the funds the organization relies on to support its good works for local children.
“We’re going to ask people not to forget about our silent auction. The money we make off this event is what we use to go into the community and do our service projects,” she explained.
A red carpet wall will also be set up at the event entrance to showcase sponsors. A professional photographer will be available to take photos of everyone as they arrive and the Junior Auxiliary encourages attendees to use #whosbehindthemaskhouma to share photos from the evening on social media.
Guests are invited to dress according to the theme by wearing a mask, Robichaux said, and are encouraged to wear whatever fits the cocktailattire theme and will allow them to thoroughly enjoy the evening.
“We want people to come comfortable,” Robichaux explained. “Whatever cocktail attire is to you, that’s what we want you to show up in. If cocktail attire means jeans and a nice shirt, by all means. If you want to bring your own mask, we highly encourage it. We will have masks there, as well. For a donation, you get to choose from a variety of ones available.”
Overall, Robichaux said Junior Auxiliary of Houma hopes to provide an event that will not only allow the public to enjoy great food, music and entertainment, but also gives them the chance to help give back to their community.
“We want people to come in and feel welcome,” Robichaux said. “We want them to have a memorable night because we want to come back year after year.”
Proceeds from the event benefit the various community service projects Junior Auxiliary of Houma does throughout the year.
The organization is made up of women from all walks of life and encourages its members to become active, constructive community leaders. The Houma Chapter of the larger National Association of Junior Auxiliaries was formed in 1973 and now does approximately seven community service projects focused on women, children and the elderly annually. Projects include donating shoes to little ones in need of a good pair of sneakers and offering empowerment programs to young girls in an effort to keep them on a positive track.
Tickets for Moonlight Masquerade are $50 per person in advance and $65 on the day of the event. Tickets may be purchased from any Junior Auxiliary of Houma member or by emailing JAofHouma@gmail.com.
