(UPDATE) FSJ Women’s Resource Society close to selling out first masquerade gala

Updated: January 13th, 1:57 p.m.: This article previously stated the Starry Skye’s Gala was sold out due to an error in the online link, however the Women’s Resource Society has since adjusted the site to reflect the remaining tickets.

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The local Women’s Resource Society will be hosting its first masquerade gala in support of Skye’s Place. 

The Starry Skye’s Gala: A Masquerade Affair is set to take place on February 7th at the Pomeroy Hotel and Conference Centre. 

Estefania Albornoz, manager of fundraising and community engagement for the society, told Energeticcity.ca the gala was in support of Skye’s Place, a second-stage housing program for women and children getting out of abusive relationships. 

Attendees will enjoy a dinner at the venue, a live and silent auction, a 50/50 draw and raffles. Masks will be available at the door for a donation. 

She stated: “We’re also going to have a live band playing – Haven and a group of entertainers from Kinshira Entertainment.

“It [is a night where] guests can have fun but at the same time, help a good cause in our community.” 

Albornoz added: “While they live [in Skye’s Place], they not only get affordable housing but they also get counselling with a counsellor that works on site – [either] one-on-one sessions or group sessions.

“They [also] get art therapy [and] gardening therapy.” 

Additionally, the society also has a Northern Health team available on site, which includes a life skills worker, a nurse and a mental health clinician. 

Skye’s Place has 12 independent houses with a basement and laundry. 

Albornoz shared: “[At Skye’s Place], they live independently [but] they’re part of one community and we try to make it a safe place for them.” 

In the live auction, attendees can bid on multiple experiences, like having a chef cook for 10 people at home or a river tour of the Kinuseo Falls with lodging and dinner. 

The silent auction will also include vacation vouchers, gift baskets and certificates. 

Albornoz noted tickets retailed at $125 per person and tables at $800 per table. Ticket sales were due to close by January 26th, and as of January 12th, the event is nearly sold out.

Buy tickets and make online donations through the event’s webpage.

Additionally, any businesses or organizations wishing to sponsor women and children can contact fundraising@fsjwrs.ca.