BY BROGAN SCOTCH
A Day of the Dead-themed fundraiser will give guests a chance to get dressed up as they support a local cause.
The fourth annual Mystical Masquerade Ball set for Saturday, Nov. 2, will benefit the development of the Susquehanna County Recreation Center Project. President Ashley Kilmer hopes for another great turnout this year since fundraisers like this keep her organization’s mission a reality.
“In Susquehanna County, we do not have anything like a YMCA,” she said. “Our goal is to increase health and wellness and recreation opportunities and to provide a sense of community.”
Kilmer wants the Susquehanna County Recreation Center, located in Montrose, to be a place where everyone can belong, and part of her goal is to open a new location in Kingsley. The construction and renovation involved is costly, but for Kilmer, it takes a backseat to everything else the group does for the community.
“We’re not waiting for the new building to try and make a difference,” she said. “We are using the money raised to fund our family-friendly events throughout the year that show what our vision and mission are.”
The recreation center’s events include 5Ks, basketball and golf tournaments, family bike rides, the Swim into Summer Safety Event (which partners with Elk Lake School District) and a pet walk that will debut next year. Kilmer believes her organization will be even more successful hosting community events like these when the Kingsley location is up and running.
“It is important for people to come and support (the ball) so we can continue moving in the right direction,” she said.
Taking place at Hotel Anthracite in Carbondale, the ball will feature an open bar with cocktail hour starting at 6 p.m. At 7, a gourmet sit-down dinner will include a choice of Bourbon Beef Brisket, Asparagus Boursin Stuffed Chicken Breast, Sesame Seared Salmon with Ginger or Roasted Vegetable with Quinoa Stuffed Pepper. Dancing and entertainment by Daddy-O and the Sax Maniax will follow at 8, and silent and live auctions will occur as well with all the action wrapping up at 11. And of course, guests should not forget to bring a mask to this black-tie event.
“We’re just a group of committed community members that want to see this project come to fruition,” Kilmer said. “We are dedicated to providing our best to ensure that happens through these unique fundraisers.”
Tickets can be purchased on the recreation center’s website, suscorec.org. Multiple options are available, from the $100 “Spooky Standard” general admission ticket to the $5,000 “Enchanted Elite & Exclusive” corporate package. Tickets include a range of benefits, from hotel rooms for the night to advertisements in the event’s brochure. Kilmer said she offers tickets perfect for businesses looking to give employees a fun night out while also advertising their companies, all while supporting a community cause.
Events such as the Mystical Masquerade Ball are what keep the Susquehanna County Recreation Center running, and Kilmer hopes many people continue to come out and support their vision for the community.
“We welcome anyone who wants to get involved,” Kilmer said. “We just want people to come, have a good time, enjoy each other’s company for the evening and relax.”
Contact the writer: bscotch@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9127
If you go
- What: Fourth annual Mystical Masquerade Ball
- Where: Hotel Anthracite, 25 S. Main St., Carbondale
- When: Saturday, Nov. 2, 6 to 11 p.m.
- Details: The dress code is black tie, and guests are encouraged to wear masks. Tickets start at $100, and all proceeds benefit the development of the Susquehanna County Recreation Center Project. For tickets, visit suscorec.org. Call 570-280-6263 for more information.
