Aug. 2—It's almost time to break out your fanciest shoes and dance among the stars.
Tickets go on sale next week for the annual Denim and Diamonds gala, a womens' night out for ladies 21 years old and older. And this year the fun will be out of this world, since the theme is GALactic Glam.
Brooke Whitis, the senior development manager for the southeast region of the American Cancer Society, said that tickets will go live at 10 a.m. Monday. All tickets will be sold online this year, at https://denimdiamond.givesmart.com/.
They will also be delivered to those who purchase them via online methods, which is a bit of a change from years past.
"Up until this year, I have hand delivered tickets to everyone," Whitis said, "but when we got to this — 950 women — it just became impossible."
The event has continued to grow over the 15 years of its existence. It's all for a good cause as well, as its primary focus is to raise money for the American Cancer Society.
All proceeds raised through the various games and activities will go towards ACS initiatives, such as cancer research and the Hope Lodge, a place for cancer patients to stay while receiving out-of-town treatments.
There are several lodges around the country, with the closest one being in Lexington.
The event itself is not a somber affair. The bash will have music and dancing, games, vendors, a silent auction and a catered meal, courtesy of Serendipity at the Orange Door.
Denim and Diamonds is being held a little later this year than usual. The event will take place Thursday, September 12 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Center for Rural Development.
In years past, Whitis has tried to schedule it for just a week or two after the start of school, so parents get a break after the rush of trying to get kids ready to return.
However, Whitis also has to schedule the event several months in advance, and when trying to choose this year's date, she learned that one of the districts was thinking about having its first day of school on the same day as the August date she was looking at.
That meant pushing the event to September. That seems to have been a popular idea in the long run, since Whitis said she's had a lot of positive response to the later date.
In fact, Whitis is looking at a possible change for future Denim and Diamonds schedules. Whitis said that attendees will be asked to participate in a poll where they are questioned about their preference of weeknight to hold the event.
Traditionally, Denim and Diamonds is held on a Thursday, but there have been some who suggested that it be given a Friday night slot instead.
Therefore, ticket-buyers will also receive an online questionnaire as to which night they might prefer to see the next gala take place.
For this year's event, organizers decided to repackage something that turned out to be popular at the last year's Denim and Diamonds.
Last year's theme was prom, and a prom queen was crowned by having the community vote for a candidate via donating money to their "campaign" — with the money actually going to ACS.
Whitis said this year the plan is to crown a "Ms. GALaxy" following the same format.
As for this year's entertainment, bingo has been shelved in favor of bringing two new games to the party: "Jewelry Heist" and "Heads or Tails."
Whitis said that Jewelry Heist will allow women to donate money in order to receive a key. One of the keys handed out will be the one that unlocks a padlocked box, which will contain a prize.
In the second game, "Heads or Tails," the guests can donate to participate for another chance to win a prize. Whitis explained that all the women playing will be asked to stand, then choose "heads or tails" by placing their hands on either their heads or their "tails."
Then, emcee John Alexander will flip a coin. Whatever the coin lands on, the women who chose that option will remain in the game, until a final winner is chosen.
While the event aims to be a fun, relaxing girls' night for all involved, Whitis said the most important parts of the night center on the reason for holding the fundraising event to begin with.
Two events will honor all those who have or have had cancer.
The first is a recognition of all cancer survivors who are in attendance.
The second is the Light of Hope luminaria. "That's our moment to not only honor those who survived, but to truly remember those who have not," Whitis said.
Everyone who buys a ticket will be entered into a drawing for a piece of diamond jewelry.
Each year for the past 15 years, Diamond Design Jewelers has donated a grand prize piece of jewelry, Whitis said, and this year is no exception.
That drawing will take place at 9 p.m.
Individual tickets for Denim and Diamonds cost $50, while a table for nine guests costs $400. Those who buy a table can decorate their own tables, but are not required to.
The tickets will be available first-come-first-serve until sold out.
The dress code will be as it has in past years — wear whatever you want.
"I think the number one question I get from women is 'What should I wear?' And I always say, 'Wear whatever is in your closet. Don't feel like you have to go buy anything,'" Whitis said.
That means some will fully dress up using the theme for inspiration, while some will show up in jeans and a t-shirt.
"And that is okay. There is no dress code other than 'appropriate,'" Whitis said.
The important part, she said, is to "show up and have fun."
Carla Slavey can be reached at cslavey@somerset-kentucky.com
