Midnight Masquerade theme of 27th Du Quoin Youth Club charity ball

WHAT: The theme this year is "Midnight Masquerade".

WHEN: Saturday, March 14, 5:30 p.m. - midnight.

WHERE: Du Quoin State Fairground Exhibition Hall.

WHY: To support the Du Quoin Youth Club and the children of our community!

Plans are well underway, so mark your calendars for March 14, and get your masks and party shoes ready! The fun-filled evening will begin at 5:30 p.m. with hors d'oeuvres, silent auction and raffles, followed by dinner. The live auction begins at 8 p.m. with wonderful auction items available to the top bidder. Music, live entertainment and dancing will be throughout the entire evening. An open bar will be provided for the enjoyment of our guests. Cost for the Charity Ball is $40 per person, and reservations are encouraged.

Raffles this year will include the traditional Shotgun Raffle, the ever popular "Pick of the Litter" Raffle (your choice of any Live Auction item) and the chance to win $3,000 in the exciting Draw-Down Raffle! The Draw-Down Raffle chances may be purchased prior to the Charity Ball, and the winner does not need to be present. This is a great opportunity to support the Youth Club AND have a chance to win $3,000! Chances will be available at the Youth Club or from the many committee members who will be have them available for purchase.

This year's sponsors have again been gracious and provided the foundation for a memorable evening in support of the Youth Club. Sponsorships are still available, but the deadline to be included in the invitation is Jan. 31. People or businesses interested in being a sponsor may contact Dixie Travelstead by phone or text (618-318-2205) or email (dixietravelstead@gmail.com) for information.

For many years businesses and individuals have been generous with their support and provided many wonderful items for the Live Auction and Silent Auction. Our energetic committee members will again be contacting and collecting for the event. The Du Quoin Youth Club is a 501c3 corporation and all donations are tax deductible.