Local residents were living — and celebrating — life to the fullest Saturday night during the second annual Beacon For Hope Unmasking Suicide Masquerade Ball.
Once again the Bowyer Community Building played host to the organization’s largest, and most glamorous, fundraiser of the year. Beacon For Hope Director Melissa Kurtenbach says attendance appears to have improved for the event from last year with 70 pre-event tickets sold.
Last year’s event saw 50 individuals attend and Kurtenbach says while that may not seem like a massive improvement, it is a big step for an organization which is just entering its third year of existence. She adds the masquerade ball has been their largest attended event in recent years which she attributes to the celebratory atmosphere.
Along with being a celebration of life, Kurtenbach says the event is also a way to celebrate and honor all of Beacon For Hope’s volunteers and community partners, such as Flint Hills Community Health Center. FHCHC Psychiatry Clinic Manager Verlin Conkle says they are proud to be a partner with Beacon and calls it a natural fit.
Once again the evening’s festivities concluded with the grand unmasking ceremony which Kurtenbach says is a physical representation of Beacon For Hope’s mission.
Along with music, food and dancing the event also included a silent auction with several items donated from local businesses and individuals with all proceeds benefiting Beacon For Hope’s suicide prevention efforts. Totals from the masquerade ball will be announced at a later time.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon and Chuck Samples/KVOE News
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