BY BTL STAFF
Kick off the holiday season with a fun, fabulous evening surrounded by family and friends on Dec. 2 at Apple Mountain Resort, 4519 N. River Road in Freeland. Perceptions is excited to host the organization's 16th Annual Holiday Gala with attendees who are encouraged to show off their holiday spirit in creative ways – if they so choose – and come prepared to dance the night away to the electrifying sounds of local favorite, Avenue
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"In the past, attendance was at its highest when the event was held at Apple Mountain. We're thrilled to be back and hope the trend continues. The Holiday Gala is a wonderful night out celebrating the Great Lakes Bay Region's LGBT+ community and allies, as well as the important work Perceptions does in the region," said Gala chair, Beth Sibray.
Perceptions is a non-profit organization that brings sexual orientation and gender identity and expression (SOGIE) education, advocacy, networking, and resources to individuals and organizations in the Great Lakes Bay Region with the vision of fostering an inclusive and supportive community that inspires engagement, equality, and respect for all.
Party-goers can have their fortunes told by Emily Bolander and even pose for a photo with Santa. The Holiday Gala will again be emceed by the fabulous Ace DeVille who emceed the Great Lakes Bay Pride Festival in June.
The evening kicks off at 6:30 p.m. with an open bar and hors d'oeuvres. Guests will be invited to partake in a buffet dinner featuring sliced roast beef and herb roasted chicken along with various sides and salads. After dinner, a special guest speaker will take the stage. Stay tuned for a special announcement on our Facebook page later this month. Perceptions' Harmony Diversity Choir is also scheduled to perform.
Tickets for the Holiday Gala are $50 each and are available for purchase online or through any Perceptions board member or Gala committee member. Visit http://www.perceptionsmi.org to purchase tickets.
While enjoying cocktails and dinner, guests are invited to browse the silent auction area for unique items and experiences. Raffles for other great prizes will be held throughout the evening. Businesses or individuals interested in donating to the silent auction or raffle are asked to contact the auction chair, Allison Matthew at [email protected].
Perceptions would like to welcome additional table sponsors to help offset the cost of the event. A table sponsorship is $500 and includes two tickets to the Holiday Gala. Businesses and individuals are welcome to procure an additional sponsor and split a table ($250 + 1 ticket each). Interested businesses or individuals are asked to contact Beth Sibray for information at [email protected].
Each year, generous supporters purchase additional tickets to be donated to individuals who might not otherwise be able to attend the event. To donate a ticket, please contact Perceptions at [email protected] or purchase a ticket for donation online at http://www.perceptionsmi.org. Donated tickets will be distributed by the Gala committee.
