Station Arts Centre gala held on Oct. 4

Station Arts Centre staff dressed the part for the Alice in Wonderland-related theme at last year’s Station Arts Centre gala. Tickets are no on sale for this year’s event, which will have a theme related to the Netflix series Bridgeton. (File Photo)

Jeff Helsdon, Editor

The Tillsonburg Community Centre’s Lions Auditorium will be transformed back in time on Saturday, Oct. 4, taking on the look of the early 1800s when the Station Arts Centre’s fundraising gala takes place.

The gala, which is the Station Arts Centre’s largest fundraiser of the year, will have a theme of “The Ton’s Night Out”, a play on the popular Netflix romance series on British high society in the 1800s. As is often the case, dressing to fit the part will be part of the event.

“We are hoping people will get excited and dress up,” said Station Arts Centre Executive Director Tabitha Verbuyst. “It’s not mandatory, but it’s fun and some people do dress up.”

Wearing a costume also qualifies attendees for the Diamond of the Season, an award chosen from among the guests.

The meal, catered by Jed Lau of It’s All About You Catering from Woodstock will feature local foods where possible. This includes chicken wing appetizers from Orange Door Acres and produce from Arbour View Acres.

“We are trying to stay as local as we can,” Verbuyst said.

Included with the meal will be a special drink to go along with the theme, sponsored by TD.

Following the meal, silent and live auctions will take place. While silent auction items range from donations from local businesses, such as certificates for automotive detailing, chiropractor, and massage, to art and home décor items, the live auction will be more focused on experiences.

“People don’t always have room for furniture and paintings, so we have experiences like private pottery lessons or excursions to Toronto,” Verbuyst said.

Organizers are still finalizing the packages for the live auction, which Verbuyst said is always entertaining with Ewart McLaughlin and John McKenzie sharing auctioneer duties, but already includes a Toronto trip with visits to galleries and museums and a Sue Goossens original painting. Along the theme, there will be some “gossip” about the live auction items from Lady Station Arts on the station’s web site and social media.

“It’s really a fun night out – the room is all decked out, there’s music playing, great food,” Verbuyst said. “It’s a nice way to get out of the house, support something local and be part of the community.”

All funds raised are used to support Station Arts Centre programs.

Tickets are $95 and are available at the Station Arts Centre, by phone at 519-842-6151 or email at tverbuyst@stationarts.ca. Tickets are going fast, so Verbuyst advised getting them early.