CLEARWATER - The first-ever La Bella Luna Masquerade Magical Masked Ball & Magnificent Luck of the Draw Auction is Saturday, Nov. 21, 8 p.m. to midnight, at the Kapok Special Events Center in Clearwater.
Community Pride Child Care will benefit from the proceeds.
Serving 180 children and their families at two Clearwater centers, Community Pride is the only agency in Pinellas County offering free child care for infants to 5 year olds from homeless families and victims of domestic violence.
Area teens, concerned citizens, families, artists, businesses and organizations have all stepped up to make a difference by donating sponsorships, underwriting costs and giving of their time and talents. They are all supporting this charity, which has had a presence in Clearwater for more than 50 years.
"I sincerely thank everyone involved for their generosity and contribution to our kids, because Every Child Counts!” said Martha Skelton, Community Pride Child Care Executive Director.
If you don't have a mask, come anyway and try to guess who is wearing one at this evening that promises to be a ball full of surprises and opportunities.
Produced by Dawn LaCross of Inspiring occasionZ and chaired by Pam Carlson, this event will be a grand evening of fun from the moment you slip into the Kapok garden gate and are greeted by the Dunedin High School NJROTC Cadets and serenaded by the Dunedin High School Madrigals.
Dine on hors d'oeuvres by All Events Catering and sip on specialty coffees by Cafe Ala Carte. Dance along with the Arthur Murray Ballroom Dancers while savoring the sounds of Joe Yazbeck and the Heart Dance Band.
Featuring magic by The Amazing Zucchini, glass blowing by master craftsman Nick Liguori, and strolling fortune tellers Indovinas Donna Fortune Dovely and Strega Violetta will be offering mystic advice for the coming year.
The magnificent Luck of the Draw Auction boasts unusual, beautiful items desired by all, showcasing a special live auction attraction by famed fine art metal sculptor Clayton Swartz.
To purchase tickets or information on how to donate a sponsorship or auction item, call Dawn at 727-512-4801.
Community Pride Child Care provides quality child development and supportive services to low income, at risk, and homeless children and families, while encouraging healthy family practices.
The high cost of child care is subsidized on a sliding fee scale making quality child care affordable to families who have been exposed to poverty, prejudice, homelessness and or violence. The difference is made up through government and private grants, government funding including Coordinated Child Care, United Way donations and much needed private donations.
By helping families with their Child Care needs, the parents are able to work to provide for their family’s needs. In turn the children are cared for in a nurturing environment. The curriculum promotes self-esteem, independence and a desire for learning, which prepares these children for success when they begin their formal school years and throughout life.
Volunteers are needed to serve on the board, to “Rock Babies” and read to/play with older children. Donations of everything you can imagine a day care center might need are always welcome.
For information about Community Pride, or to determine how YOU can make a difference, and/or for a tour of the center, please call Martha Skelton, executive director at 727-443-2218. Donations may be mailed to Community Pride Child Care, Inc., 1235 Holt Ave., Clearwater, FL 33755.
