But, what is Charity Night?

Once a year, our Lodge holds a Charity Night event to raise money for our local charities. In contrast, the First Ladies Luncheon raises money specifically for The Purple Pig. This is a separate fund for local organizations. The more money we raise, the more we can give out.

**This event is a fun time**. Each year the committee comes up with different ways for us to get together to have fun while raising money. This year’s Moulin Rouge theme includes a can-can dancers, casino games, light apps, a silent auction, raffles, a cash drawing and a whole lot of fun. We are also offering a VIP experience from 5-7:30 pm (more on that later).

How You Can Help

Charity Night is always a blast and a great way to raise money for our favorite local causes. But, as we have said a billion times, **THE LODGE RUNS ON VOLUNTEERS**.

Below is a list of really easy and specific things you can sign up for now that greatly help make this event a success:

**COMMIT TO COMING**. It all starts with you. Say yes!

**Buy your tickets early**. The more tickets that are purchased early, the more we can do to make this party rock. (_And the more hopeful we get about raising even more money than last year_.)

**Charity Night is a public event, so TELL EVERYONE**. Share the link with friends on social media or by email. They don’t have to be a guest of a member. Know someone with a kid in Alameda? Chances are their children participate in programs that get help from the Lodge. Ask them if they’d like to come and help increase what we give! Invite that person who says, “I’d love to check out the Elks Lodge sometime.” Or, “I have so much money, I don’t even know what to do with it.” (_For sure invite that person_!)

**Donate items to the raffle and auction** We are looking for items or special hosted events (like taco night at your house, Cajun Dinner). If you have something to donate, please email Dre at leadingknight@alamedaelks.org.

**Volunteer** to help put on the event. Many hands make light work. [**Let Dre know**](mailto:leadingknight@alamedaelks.org) if you’d like to help.

Are you a VIP?

**Welcome to The Elephant Room.** Our VIP Lounge experience transforms our Rathskeller to create an intimate cabaret experience that includes special appetizers, cocktails, and entertainment. This year’s entertainment will be a special set from Nick Rossi and Friends. Nick plays with his jazz orchestra at the Top of the Mark and is a local favorite among the swing dancers in the Bay Area. He has worked up a special group to perform some 1920s jazz for us as we sip our cocktails. But here’s the thing: Nick’s fees, the extra apps, and the booze and accoutrement are donated to the event! This means, on top of the $60 ticket, your premium upgrade is added to our charity fund 100 percent.

The VIP Lounge will take place from 5-7:30 pm, overlapping the start of the party upstairs. It will include 1-2 cocktails, appetizers, and the jazz. Once you and your entourage head upstairs, you have a reserved table/seat for the evening, some casino chips and each person gets one ticket to the cash raffle.

**Cost is $1,000 for a table of 8 (or $125 per person)**. Can’t get a group of 8, individual seats are $150 per person.

This means, a table of 8 adds $520 to the Charity Fund. Each individual VIP ticket adds $70.

Our goal is to sell 10 tables for the VIP, or the equivalent individual seats. This means we could potentially add more than $5,000 directly into our charity fund! So talk among yourselves and get into the Elephant Room!