Langley charities benefit from gala blowout

Marilyn Monroe will be greeting people as they arrive for the Silver Screen Gala Saturday to benefit Langley Lodge and the Langley Hospice Society.

Then the likes of Janis Joplin, Liza Minelli and Madonna will entertain during the evening.

And it’s all courtesy of one talented woman.

Impersonator Tracey Bell performs at the fundraising gala which takes place at the Cascades Casino starting at 6 p.m.

This year Langley Hospice and Langley Lodge have chosen a Silver Screen theme, and people are invited to dress up as movie stars for the evening.

They’ll be rubbing shoulders with some celebrities Bell is bringing.

“I will be impersonating Marilyn Monroe early in the evening; greeting people, mingling and posing for pictures,” she said. “The show is after dinner. It will be interactive and comedic. I improvise as each of the characters.”

The after dinner entertainment will include Joplin, Minelli, Madonna, Tina Turney and Dolly Parton. Celine Dion gets everyone laughing and Cher offers up a number.

“I will make a surprise appearance during the live auction, after my show,” Bell added.

Much of Bell’s show involves improvisation and audience participation, including a women’s chorus line and the chance for someone to be Sonny Bono to her Cher.

“One of the great things about the Silver Screen Gala is that the guests will be dressing up as movie stars, so they will be the ones modifying the performance,” she said. “Audience participation is a big part of my show. The guests will be co-stars in the show.”

The dinner gala also inlcudes special guest emcee Carmen Ruiz Laza of Carmen TV, and live and silent auctions. Up for grabs are things such as a two night stay at Tigh-Na Mara Resort in Parksville, or two tickets with Harbour Air.

This event is a partnership between the Langley Hospice Society and the Langley Care Foundation to raise funds and awareness for these two local organizations. The care foundation is the auxiliary for Langley Lodge.

Hallowville Manor in Langley is donating back all monies earned from costume rentals for the gala. The shop is at 20568 56th Ave. and can be reached at 604-503-9556.

The VIP tickets include a glass of champagne with passed hors d’oeuvres, a bottle of wine per couple, a three-course dinner and a special VIP Silver Screen Swag Bag at each place setting.

Regular tickets receive a glass of champagne with passed hors d’oeuvres, a bottle of red and white wine at each table, a three-course dinner and Silver Screen swag bag at each place setting.

All tickets include photos on the red carpet, which will be ready for pick up before leaving the gala. People can also pose with Bell or Ruiz y Laza.

For tickets, go to www.langleylodge.org/fundraising/events or call 604-530-1115 or 604-880-6752.