HOT SPRINGS -- The Horner Hall Ballroom of the Hot Springs Convention Center was transformed into a "Venetian Carnival" on Nov. 3 for the 15th annual Baron's Ball fundraiser for Levi Hospital. Suellen Hales-Tillman and Davis Tillman, the Baron d'Abila, were the event's excellence sponsors.
The theme brought out attendees who wore the 18th-century attire, elaborate costumes, wigs, feathered-and-flowered hats and full-face masks for which Carnival time in Venice is renowned. Some simply donned masks with their conventional formal wear. For those who didn't bring masks, they were for sale.
Guests perused silent-auction items and sipped cocktails in the lobby before sitting down to a three-course dinner featuring chicken Marsala and finishing with a picturesque White Chocolate Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake accented with a chocolate Venetian mask.
Steered by "Archimedes," the master of ceremonies -- Davis Tillman, also the event entertainment chairman -- the variety show featured characters from, according to Archimedes, the underside of the City of Canals: a comedic wannabe musician, juggling and magic acts, a puppet show, vocal performances, a cyr wheel act and music by the Gypsy Band. A Disney vacation package was the single live-auction item.
The evening ended with a DJ dance party with Doc Bruce, who spun a variety of popular tunes.
Baron's Ball proceeds will be used for all programs provided by Levi Hospital, the nonprofit, century-old organization that serves patients regardless of their ability to pay.
High Profile on 11/11/2018