The Salvation Army Masquerade for Dignity Gala
Winnipeg, MB – May is Dignity Month for The Salvation Army. In an effort to raise awareness around issues of poverty, mental illness, and human dignity, The Salvation Army is hosting a formal “Masquerade for Dignity” Gala event Thursday, May 24th at The Gates on Roblin.
“Dignity is a word that many are familiar with. By definition,” states Tsungai Muvingi – Special Events Coordinator, The Salvation Army Prairie Divison, “dignity means worthiness, elevation of character. Each and every day The Salvation Army endeavors to impart to members of our community an understanding of self-worth and respect. We help them build up and elevate their character. At The Salvation Army Masquerade for Dignity Gala, we are providing guests a unique insight to what it means to be invisible and lacking dignity.”
A very special part of the evening is a mannequin exhibit titled “More Than You Know.” The exhibit has been created by people who have been helped by The Salvation Army.
“The Mannequin Exhibit is an amazing expression of what dignity means to different people in our community,” explains Muvingi, “It may be easy to say ‘I know what dignity does for a person; It means they gain self-respect & confidence.’ However, when you see dignity from the perspective of someone who either just gained it or from someone who built it up again, it makes you go back to the basics. You begin to realize that sometimes all it takes is a simple act to give that person a chance at life.”
Nineteen mannequins will be on display during the event. Each is a visual record of the experience of people The Salvation Army has supported in their journey to reach and attain personal dignity.
Special guest speaker for the Masquerade is Brigadier General Jack Briggs, Deputy Commander of Canadian North American Aerospace Defense Region (NORAD). Emcee for the evening is Mr. Joe Aiello from 92 Citi FM. Entertainment will be provided by Those Guys – a delightfully entertaining a cappella group featuring lively vocal percussion and entrancing harmonies – and smooth jazz master and recording artist, Walle Larsson.
Guests will have opportunity to support the efforts of The Salvation Army through a live fund raising auction with charity auctioneer, Les Kletke. Among items available for bids is feeding and housing a displaced person or family, providing healthy lunches to children who otherwise would not have access to nutritional food, outfitting a child for school, clothing for people re-entering the workforce and so much more. Other fun auction items will feature such items as a Winnipeg Jets team autographed home jersey, a Day with Chef Chris Gama of The Peasant Restaurant, two day stay at Elkhorn Resort, Dinner for 8 at The Gates, and others.
The formal masquerade begins at 6 pm, May 24th, 2012 at The Gates on Roblin located at 6945 Roblin Boulevard. A dance will take place after the meal. Masks will be provided to all guests. Tickets cost $150 and include a $50 charitable gift receipt. Reserved tables are available for groups of 8. All major credit cards are accepted. To purchase your ticket, please call The Salvation Army at (204) 975-1033.
