January 29, 2009 Issue
Hearts of Hospitality House Valentine Ball February 7
The Hospitality House Valentine Ball, taking place Saturday, February 7, will feature a new Dancing with the Stars competition. Two celebrity couples participating include Kay and George Schieren (left), performing shag dancing, and Bianca Jacobs and Mark Brayshaw (right), performing a Latin dance. Photos by Karen Lehmann and Mark Mitchell
The Hospitality House’s combined campaign goal of $3 million in donations for a new homeless shelter is within sight, and to celebrate, the 14th annual Valentine Ball will feature half-price tickets and an exciting new dancing competition. The event takes place Saturday, February 7, from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. at the Broyhill Inn and Conference Center in Boone.
The Hearts of Hospitality House, a fundraising arm of the homeless shelter, will once again host the ball. Over the past 13 years, the ball has been a semiformal affair with a large silent auction. In the beginning, it was a Christmas ball, and then later, the date was moved to be a Valentine’s Ball.
One year ago, the Hospitality House Board approved a combined campaign to raise funds to build a new homeless shelter for the High Country and to provide operating dollars for its various ministries for the next three years. Currently, donations and pledges from 450 individual and business contributors and 21 religious congregations are at $2.3 million, according to a Hearts of Hospitality House press release.
Because of the wonderful response to the campaign, the Hearts of Hospitality House members decided to make this year’s ball more of a celebration and a “Thank You” to supporters. Ticket prices have been cut in half to $50 per person.
“This year with the ball, we really wanted to downsize because we’ve asked so much from the community already,” said Ann Spinetto, publicity coordinator for the Hearts of Hospitality House.
The ball will feature a buffet dinner prepared by the Broyhill’s Executive Chef Bill Morris, dancing and live music by the Todd Wright Band. A Sweetheart Getaway auction will include exciting getaways, including a cruise package.
A new addition to the Valentine Ball is the Dancing with the Stars competition. Seven local celebrity dance teams will participate in the competition:
• Julia and Gerald Adams, Beach Bop
• Bianca Jacobs and Mark Brayshaw, Latin
• Robin Lane and Andy Glass, Cha-cha
• Kay and George Schieren, Shag
• Kay and Frank Borkowski, Polka
• Cay and Andy Harkins, Disco
• Live from The Rock, ASU Football “Rockettes”
Each couple, dressed in appropriate costume, has four minutes to perform, Spinetto said.
Valentine Ball attendees will vote for the best performance with dollars—one dollar per vote. Even if you cannot attend the Valentine Ball, you can support your favorite couple by sending in your check and votes to Hearts of Hospitality House c/o Rose Bridgeman, 472 Maple Ridge Drive Boone, NC 28607.
The ball will also feature a dance contest open to the public following the pros’ competition. Everyone attending the ball will be invited to hit the dance floor for that old dance favorite, “In the Mood.” A team of judges will patrol the dance floor and politely tap dancers on the shoulder to leave the floor until a winner remains on the floor at the end of the song.
Tickets for the ball will be sold in advance and are available at High Country Bank or by calling Rose Bridgeman at 828-264-2733.
Want To Go?
Date: Saturday, February 7
Time: 6:30 to 11:30 p.m.
Location: Broyhill Inn
Cost: $50 per person
Community Interest
News & Notes
Events
Arts & Entertainment
