The Chemo Noir Fall Gala returns Nov. 6 after a one-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, according to founder and chairman Katrin Casey, the year away has only made people even more excited to be a part of it.
The event is still weeks away, but she is already getting a feeling of “next level energy” surrounding this year’s gala.
“There’s just such an excitement around people just wanting to be back together and socializing,” Casey said.
The gala is a recognition in many ways of the work and donations put in by supporters and volunteers throughout the year to make sure Chemo Noir’s mission of providing financial help to those fighting cancer.
Casey is expecting to have about 10 people that are battling cancer and have been recipients of Chemo Noir’s help attend the ceremony.
“It’s nice for people to be able to see what we’re doing all this for,” Casey said.
The night out for those cancer patients can also be a night to forget the problems they may be faced with daily and instead offer them an outlet to just enjoy life.
“I believe they’re grateful to see the type of events we are having to help spread the word and fight,” Casey said.
This year’s event will have the theme of “Bow ties and boas,” and those who may not have a bow tie can purchase a specialized Chemo Noir bow tie on the website at www.chemonoir.com/gear.
“We were just sitting around brainstorming and tried to think of something we could do that was both different and fun,” Casey said.
Other changes will be additions to the night’s activities, which will now include a cork pull raffle and a photo booth that will accompany the already popular silent auction.
The cork pull raffle will consist of drawing for a nice bottle of wine every 30 minutes.
“Raffles have always done good for us,” Casey said. “It will allow for even more people to be involved throughout the night.”
This will be the fourth gala and the third straight that has been held at 3 Palms Grille in Ponte Vedra Beach.
“They really host a great event for us each year,” Casey said.
The event will have a limited capacity of 250 people, but tickets will remain available until the day of the event if it has not been sold out.
Tickets for the gala are $100 per person and can be purchased by going to www.chemonoir.com/events. Proceeds will benefit Chemo Noir and its mission.
