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Have a Ball This Halloween! Support the Hunger and Health Coalition on Oct. 30

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The planning committee for the upcoming masquerade ball try out their new masks and enjoy a spooky drink over the latest meeting. Pictured (from left) are ASU Theatre Arts Senior Lecturer and Playwright Derek Davidson, Barbara Armstrong of the Boone Chamber, Ray Picket of the Blowing Rock Inn, Hunger and Health Coalition Executive Director Elizabeth Young, ASU’s Distinguished Professor of Theatre Keith Martin and Vicky McLean of the Meadowbrook Inn.

 

By Jessica Isaacs

Have a ball this Halloween! Celebrate the spookiest time of year in style and for a good cause at the inaugural Masquerade Ball to benefit the Hunger and Health Coalition of Boone.

This festive inaugural fundraiser will take place at the Meadowbrook Inn, 711 Main St. in Blowing Rock, on Friday, Oct. 30. Show up sporting your favorite costume or buy a mask when you get there. The fun starts at 7 p.m. and the party will carry on through the night!

Boone Area Chamber of Commerce Director of Operations Barbara Armstrong, who serves on the board of directors for the Hunger and Health Coalition, said the masquerade ball is the first Halloween event for adults of its kind in the High Country. It will replace the Christmas event that used to be the HHC’s primary annual fundraiser.

Folks from the theatre department at Appalachian State University will be decked out in full costume and on hand to entertain with special performances, and the university’s Chancellor Sheri Everts has stepped up as the event’s primary sponsor.

The festivities will include a DJ, flash mob performances, a cash bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, costume prizes, a trick-or-treat candy bar from Mast General Store, fortune telling, tarot card reading, face painting, a photo booth and more.

“It’s something that’s not being done here, and I think it’s just going to be a good time for adults to come out and have fun,” Armstrong said. “People of all ages love a purpose to go out and have a good time.”

Most importantly, the ball will support the HHC’s important work in the community.

“I don’t think most people are aware of the services that the Hunger and Health Coalition provides to kids and families, whether it’s through the pharmacy, the backpack program or other food assistance programs,” Armstrong said. “Many people cannot make it through the month and afford food and the medications they need on minimum wage. The Hunger and Health Coalition does not turn anyone away.”

Get your tickets at the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce (828-264-2225) or at the Hunger and Health Coalition (828-262-1628). They’re on sale for $35 per person, or get a table for 10 at $300. Tickets will be $40 at the door, so get yours in advance!

Other local event sponsors include Wells Fargo, Allen Wealth Management, LaQuinta and Sleep Inn, Appalachian Regional Healthcare Systems and many more. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

To learn more about HHC or the event, visit the organization online or call 828-262-1628.