The Friends Association for the Care & Protection of Children invites guests to its 28th Annual West Chester Charity Ball Masquerade at the West Chester Golf and Country Club on Dec. 3, 2016 from 6:30-11 PM.

This holiday gala, part of West Chester’s Old Fashioned Christmas, is the Friends Association’s largest fundraiser and is essential in funding the important work it does to improve the community. All proceeds benefit the mission of the Association – preventing and ending family homelessness in our community.

This year, the Friends Association is honoring West Chester’s own Ivan and Lisa Kaplan with the 2016 Friend of the Community Award. The Kaplans, owners of Kaplans Fine Jewelry, have been leaders and philanthropists serving the West Chester community for more than 40 years.

“I am so excited to be a part of honoring these two deserving people, and I hope that the community will join us,” said Catherine Friedman, Friends Association Executive Director. “This year’s Charity Ball brings a night full of sensational entertainment, featuring celebrity emcee Andie Summers of 92.5 XTU radio, and exceptional live and silent auctions. Enjoy a delectable dinner and festive cocktails, while dancing the night away to The Midnight Hour Band featuring Pepper Duffy.”

This year’s silent auction will feature many exciting items including Walt Disney World Park Hopper passes and designer handbags from Kate Spade New York. Featured live auction items are a gourmet dinner for 10 with wine pairings, the Resident Theatre Company Opening Night performance of Spamalot and Gala Celebration, and one week vacation in Whalehead, in the Outerbanks of North Carolina.

“I am so pleased about this year’s West Chester Charity Ball because of the community support, but also, because this year’s gala will again be ‘digital’ with online auction previews and bidding, and using phones and tablets for bidding before and during the event. People can even bid from home,” said Friedman.

Click here for more information about tickets and sponsorships.