Masquerade! Paper faces on parade
Masquerade! Hide your face so the world will never find you
Masquerade! Every face a different shade
Masquerade! Look around, there's another mask behind you.
The lyrics from the classic Phantom of the Opera number best capture the spectacle Oct. 26 at the Fairmont Empress hotel, where 200 masked and costumed guests raised more than $36,000 for Our Place at the Victoria Masquerade Ball.
It wouldn’t be insulting to describe the fundraiser for the society that aids Victoria’s most vulnerable citizens as a fool’s game, peppered as the crowd was with colourful jesters. The lavish event billed as North America’s only Venetian-style ball had no shortage of queens, kings and marionettes with strings attached.
Passersby did double-takes outside the “Castle on the Harbour” where flashbulbs illuminated costumed guests on the red carpet before they disappeared into a sea of rouge, gold, glitter and gowns.
“I’m her accessory,” joked bewigged, velvet-suited chartered account Grant Kratofil, referring to his wife Kim Cole, who sparkled under her wig. With their elegantly attired daughters, Laura Kratofil and Rayanna Wall, the family was part of the table of 10 Kratofil and business partner Derrold Norgaard purchased.
The Phantom himself — retiree Alan Tyson, who came from Sequim, Wash., with his wife Barbara — even showed up.
“Anytime we get a chance to break out a tux and put on high heels and eat and drink, we love it,” said Barbara.
Emcee Stephanie Sherlock of CTV was unrecognizeable under a glittery, Cleopatra-esque mask.
“For [platinum sponsor] Island IT to take this event on and do such a beautiful job is a really big deal,” said Sherlock, whose party included Leia Dykstra, owner of the Oak Bay Dollar Plus store where masks have been in big demand. “I knew how big this was from last year so I ordered way more,” she said.
There were period costumes aplenty — frock coats, breeches, hooped skirts and powdered wigs — rented from sponsor Victoria Costumes.
It came as no surprise that Jim Cassels masqueraded as a royal fool.
“I’m Simply the Best,” quipped the owner of the Victoria store of the same name. “I think anyone here would agree I’m the court jester,” he said.
“I’m really feeling like the mayor of Venice tonight,” said his friend dressed as such, Victoria surgeon Kevin Clarke.
Our Place Society executive director Don Evans expressed his gratitude through a feathered mask.
“It’s a huge gift. We feel very privileged and honoured to be chosen as the charity for this year’s ball,” he said.
“Whether it’s individuals, philanthropists or the corporate sector, this is an opportunity to connect with people who can also learn a little bit more about Our Place.”
Event chairman and Island IT president Derek Sanderson said the masquerade is a refreshing alternative to black-tie fundraisers.
“I like something where we can bring in some old Victoria style,” he said. “It’s a nice fusion of doing something of a higher calibre and at the same time you know where the money’s all going. It’s very touching to be able to do that.”
Before midnight, guests also bid on auction items including original art by James Bay artist Judi Sim and hotel packages, and were entertained by the Canadian Pacific Ballet, Canadian College of Peforming Arts students and live music by the Midnights.
