Dancing in a dream
Photos: DEVIN HEILMAN/Press Bre Thomas, dressed as the Black Pearl, and her husband Christian, dressed as Jolly Roger, share an enchanting moment Saturday night at the Masquerade Charity Ball. The Post Falls couple were among 400 guests who dressed up for the ball, which served as a benefit for Children’s Village.
DEVIN HEILMAN/Press Chelsea Bowmer of Coeur d’Alene glides through the crowd at the Masquerade Charity Ball in the Greyhound Park and Event Center on Saturday night, where 400 guests danced, dined and enjoyed a variety of live entertainment.
Chelsea Stone of Vertical Elements Entertainment pauses on her stilts for a moment by a decorative backdrop Saturday night at the Masquerade Charity Ball at the Greyhound Park and Event Center. She was one of many live performers who entertained guests throughout the evening.
POST FALLS — Only at a masquerade ball does the Jolly Roger get to dance with his Black Pearl.
"Everything makes sense," said Christian "Jolly Roger" Thomas. "You think it would be bizarre and totally contradictory, but when you look around, you’re surrounded by it, you’re surrounded by awesomeness."
He danced with his wife, Bre, whose Black Pearl-themed attire featured splashes of glitter and tulle skirts.
"It’s a dream," Christian said. "It’s a surreal dream."
"It really is," Bre added. "It's a real-life ball."
The Post Falls couple weren't the only ones enjoying every moment of their Saturday night. The North Idaho Life Masquerade Charity Ball at the Greyhound Park and Event Center brimmed with a brilliant array of creative display as mask-clad guests twirled on the ballroom floor, attended a festive dinner and experienced a variety of live entertainment.
"It's something you've never seen before, something people dream about their whole lives," said event host Keith Boe, founder of the North Idaho Life community organization. "You add the mystery of the masks, the arm-length gloves... It’s just everyone’s dream."
No detail was overlooked at the sold-out event, where dazzling chandeliers provided ambient light, champagne was served in a palace lounge setting, and performers wowed with wondrous movements as they dangled from the ceiling.
While giving guests a reason to dress up and have a magical evening, the Masquerade Charity Ball also served as a benefit for Children's Village.
"We're so blessed to be afforded this opportunity to have an event like this put on for us," said Emily Aizawa, fundraising manager for Children's Village.
"I mean, just look at this, it's huge, it's extravagant," she said. "All of these people, especially the people putting it on, they really care about Children's Village. So many people donated their time and talent to put this on. It wouldn't have looked like this or been able to happen if they hadn't have done this, so we feel really blessed for the people in our community."
Boe said he was hoping to raise up to $20,000 for the nonprofit, which is dedicated to providing a home for children in crisis.
"I wanted to pick a charity that was 100 percent local and served kids in need,” he said. "Children's Village is the perfect choice."
The ball also featured a red carpet arrival for guests to be announced when they walked in, live interactive dinner entertainment, a surprise theatrical flash mob, music by a nine-piece funk/dance band and a live DJ to close out the night.