Masquerade Dinner To Benefit MARYS HOuse

An upcoming event aims to raise money for MARYS House, raise awareness about domestic violence, and show people a good time.

The First Annual MARYS House Masquerade Dinner will be be held 6-9pm on Monday, October 15 at Bleu Voodoo in Easley.

“I call it fun with a purpose,” said Lisa Smith, Director MARYS House.

South Carolina is ranked 7^th in the nation in deaths related to domestic violence. We truly believe in the scripture we adopted. Luke 17:28 says, “What is impossible with men is possible with God.”

MARYS House provides emergency shelter, services, and spiritual guidance to victims of domestic violence with no state or federal assistance. MARYS House is a facility built debt-free by the community and we are still debt-free. Since opening in October 2008, we have provided shelter to over 300 women and children.

Additionally, numerous other families have received non-shelter assistance.

“We don't rely on federal or state funding because we are faith-based, so this is one of the way we fund our efforts,” Smith said, of the Masquerade Dinner.  “We see from what happened last week that there is a need. It's just a chance to people to get together and enjoy each other's company and have a little fun while being educated on the need.”

The Masquerade Dinner is both a fundraiser effort and a way to raise awareness about domestic abuse.

“We're going to have some speakers,” Smith said. “We're going to have a survivor or two speak about their experiences.”

The meal includes a choice of chicken, steak or salmon, a house salad, baked potato and a choice of coffee, tea or water. Meal choice must be made at the time of ticket purchase.

There will also be a silent auction and doorprizes. Featured auction items include getaway opportunities including: a cruise on the Delta Queen, a getaway weekend at a lake house, and 1 night at a local bed and breakfast.

Tickets for the event are $35 per individual or $60 per couple.

The cutoff to buy tickets is September 30.

Tickets can be purchased by calling Bleu Voodoo at 864-644-8282 or MARYS House at 864-855-1708.