Auroras’ Swanky Gala Aug. 12 at O.B. Event Center

Auroras’ Swanky Gala Aug. 12 at O.B. Event Center

By Nancy McMeekin
If you love a coastal party for a good cause, it’s time to make plans! The 2022 Swanky Gala, a fundraiser for Youth-Reach Gulf Coast organized by the Mystical Order of Aurora Mardi Gras Group, is set for Friday, Aug. 12, 7:30 to 11:30 pm at The Orange Beach Event Center at The Wharf. This year’s theme, An Evening at Casino Royale, will offer guests games of chance to test their skills with play money provided, and will feature Jesse and the Jets band. Attire is “funky black tie”, which includes everything from a tux jacket with plaid shorts to Gatsby-era get-ups. A little extra effort in your outfit could mean winning Best Dressed Man or Woman!
The Auroras encourage everyone who came to the 2021 event, which raised $68,800 for the Youth-Reach organization, and all our Lower Alabama friends to purchase tickets now and prepare to bid on unique, value-packed donations given by area resorts, retailers, businesses, restaurants, charter fishing and pleasure boating companies and many other generous groups and individuals.
The recipient of monies raised, Youth-Reach Gulf Coast, provides a long-term, residential, faith-based ministry for at-risk young men ages 18-22 to receive emotional healing and valuable life skills at no cost to them or their families. Located on 81 acres in Summerdale, the facility provides housing, counseling, work and life skills, as well as opportunities to give back to the area through activities such as hurricane damage relief.
Raising funds for Youth-Reach Gulf Coast has become an important annual event for The Auroras, whose President, Eva Keesee, says is so worthwhile. “The best way to change the world is to make leaders of these precious boys, and that’s just what Youth-Reach can do,” Eva said. And this year’s Swanky Gala has the potential to be the most exciting to date. “The Event Center at the Wharf is our largest venue so far with ample space for dancing to this amazing band, play-money games of chance, delicious food, a premium cash bar and great fun with all our friends. Last year we sold out of tickets,” Eva said, “so get yours soon!”
John McInnis, a local businessman and Flora-Bama owner, is a strong, ongoing supporter of Youth-Reach Gulf Coast. “This is an amazing place, where young men can put their lives back together, offering healing to them and their families. Please support them and the wonderful Aurora women in this partnership to invest in their success,” he said.
Individual tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.com for $110 and tables of 12 reserved seating are available for $1600 by texting or calling Eva Keesee at (251) 979-4278 or e-mailing her at evakeesee@gmail.com. Limited tables available. Must be 21 to attend. No refunds. Pictured: Marlene Lowe, Vice President, Eva Keesee, President, Donna Stump, Historian.