Black Tie & Blue Jean Annual Fundraiser Coming to Copper K Barn May 15th

After a year of wearing masks, it is time to come celebrate the unmasking of Jefferson County! This year Black Tie & Blue Jeans is celebrating with a "Masquerade Ball" on Saturday, May 15, 2021, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Copper K Barn. This historic building was constructed in the late 1800's by the Parrot Silver and Copper Mining Company so there will be plenty of room for all. As in past years, there will be prizes for best dressed so come decked out in your most elegant evening wear. If you are not comfortable attending the event but would like to still partake in the meal and Calcutta, there will be curbside pick-up.

This is the 17th anniversary of Black Tie & Blue Jeans according to Kristi Wilson, one of two event coordinators. Originally created by Bill Brown, the event has involved multiple agencies and organizations over the years including veteran's organizations, the Whitehall Chamber of Commerce, and the Jefferson Valley Community Foundation.

"This year has definitely been harder to plan as we hoped from the beginning to have a mostly "normal" evening but had to be prepared for restrictions and, regardless of restrictions, would need to plan for an environment that allowed people with differing beliefs to come together for the community and feel safe doing so." Wilson continued. "We feel we have accomplished this! So whether you come for the stuffed mushrooms, the grilled ribeye, the auction items or the great company, this is a year you should not miss!"

Currently presented by the Whitehall Chamber of Commerce and the Jefferson Valley Community Foundation, this event will include dinner, prizes, auctions, games, and music for the evening. Attendees are invited to come dressed for the theme, or simply show up in their favorite party clothes. There will be a chance to win $1000 as well as costume prizes, and a few secret surprises hidden throughout the evening.

Different levels of sponsorships allow individuals, corporations, and local businesses all to participate in funding the event. Levels include Iron ($75), Bronze ($150), Copper ($250), Silver ($550), Gold ($1,500), or an Event Sponsorship for $2,500. Each level provides the donor with different amenities throughout the evening, including everything from drink tickets to Frontier Days Rodeo tickets.

For the 2021 Masquerade Ball, the emphasis is on experiences as well as items entered in the auctions. Local businesses and supporters have gone all out this year in providing amazing trips, dining getaways, gift baskets, certificates, equipment, and services.

According to the invitation flyer, this year, as in previous years, Black Tie & Blue Jeans will grant money to several local non-profits and the remaining proceeds will be divided between the Whitehall Chamber of Commerce and the Jefferson Valley Community Foundation on an 85%/15% basis, with the JVCF providing the fiscal sponsorship with their 501c3 status.

The Chamber of Commerce uses its portion of the funds to support local non-profit groups and to fund local events such as the Easter Egg Hunt, Frontier Days, Frontier Days Rodeo, Shakespeare in the Park, the Library's Summer Reading program, Fall Festival and the Christmas Stroll, along with multiple other activities and events which invigorate the economy of the Whitehall Community.

The Jefferson Valley Community Foundation proceeds will be added to its Endowment Fund and to its administrative fund to support the current and future needs of the community. Proceeds from the JVCF Endowment fund have resulted in over $17,000 in grants returning to 44 non-profit volunteer organizations that support this community in the 20 years JVCF has existed.

In 2020, the following organizations received grant funds from this event: Friends of the Whitehall Library, Jefferson County Search and Rescue, Jefferson Valley Museum, Jefferson Valley Rural Fire District, PULSE, and Whitehall PTSA.

An event of this size is always in need of volunteers to setup, clean up, help with donated items, decorate, selling raffle tickets, checking out auction items, and miscellaneous tasks during the evening. Please contact the Chamber if you are interested in volunteering.

If you are unable to join us but would still like to give in the form of a sponsorship or item please contact the Whitehall Chamber at 287-2260 or whitehallmtchamber@gmail.com.