REMEMBERING TO TURN ON THE LIGHT

Making magic happen

Harry Potter-themed Yule Ball raises money, awareness for Ouachita Children’s Center

HOT SPRINGS -- Wizards and Muggles of all ages gathered Jan. 6 in the great hall of St. Luke's Episcopal Church for the 2018 Yule Ball. The event was a benefit for the Ouachita Children's Center, which provides emergency shelter and support services for youths in crisis. Presented by the Morris Foundation, it was based on the Triwizard Tournament and Yule Ball in the Harry Potter books.

Guests, wearing wizard robes or formal attire, were each given a bronze plastic "dragon egg" for door-prize eligibility. Attendees also were afforded the option of bidding in a silent auction "behind the Black Lake," entering the Sorting House Ceremony Station to be assigned to a Hogwarts House (family); having their photos taken; and finding seven hidden Potter-themed objects for points and a prize.

Mark Howard, executive director of the center, gave remarks. Sallie Culbreth, community relations director, introduced a big-screen presentation that lay out the reason for the event theme: Like many of the children who come to the center, Harry Potter was "an abused and neglected boy who was full of magic, but had no idea what it was or how to manage his great power. All that changed the day he entered Hogwarts," according to the evening's program.

Refreshments included a layout of hors d'oeuvres including Troll Eyes (stuffed mushrooms topped with olive slices); Dragon's Eggs (stuffed mini-potatoes); Hippogriff on a Stick (coconut chicken); Hogshead Cornish Balls (meatballs); assorted desserts; and more. Attendees also sipped a selection of wines along with alcoholic and nonalcoholic butter beer. Entertainment consisted of ballroom dance music by Marque Haupert's Magical Springs Ensemble; some vintage rock 'n' roll dance tunes by D.J. Courier; some juggling and balloon sculptures by Justin Time; and some fortune telling by "Madam Trelawney."

-- Story and photos by Helaine R. Williams

High Profile on 01/14/2018

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