Some Enchanted Evening

As a lifelong fan of fairy tales and sweet treats, when I was approached to be a cupcake judge for the 14th Annual Sojourner House Masquerade Ball – with an Enchanted Forest theme – I was all in. This was also one of those serendipitous moments where I was able to reconnect with former Hey Rhody Media Co. intern and contributor Shannon McDonnell, who is now communications manager for the mission-driven organization dedicated to serving victims and survivors of abuse through initiatives and services since its founding in 1976.

The ball, held Friday, November 22 from 7-11pm at The Graduate Providence, promises a dreamy escape of moss-covered tablescapes, twinkling lights, shimmering cocktails, fairies, and hors d’oeuvres. There will be treasures at the silent auction, performances from Toys 2 Men, DJ Dayglow, Extraordinary Rendition Band (ERB), and more. Spectacle aside, last year’s event raised over $155,000 to support the nonprofit’s victim advocacy efforts. 

"Our annual Masquerade Ball has become a critical source of unrestricted funding for Sojourner House's programs, allowing us to cover expenses that many of our grants cannot,” Sojourner House executive director Vanessa Volz said in a statement. “We are forever grateful for our dedicated and ever-growing community whose support makes the work that we do possible.”

During the ball, Sojourner House will sponsor a dessert contest and challenge local bakeries to create confectionery masterpieces with a woodland theme. This is where I come in as one of the “celebrity” judges, along with Laura Afonso of Buns and Bites, Jamie Coelho from Rhode Island Monthly, Katie Corcoran of Rhode Island Native, and Jariah Gray from Two Hungry Bitches. We’ll be sampling delicious fanciful treats from Cakes by Eboni, Flower Bakery, Johnson & Wales Pastry Arts Club, La Casa Azul, Marti’s Cupcakes & More, and Sin. Once the votes are cast, guests are invited to enjoy the entries.

Individual tickets are $150; VIP tickets are $250, and include event admission, a glass of prosecco, and access to the VIP lounge for mingling. Donations can also be made even if you choose to sit this one out. Learn more at SojournerRI.org, and purchase a ticket here.