By Dixon Bledsoe
Oct. 18, 7 – 11:30 p.m.
The Oregon Garden Pavilion
Tickets: $20 in advance at
Roth’s, Silver Falls Bank,
Silverton Chamber of Commerce
and City Hall; $25 at door
Silverton Mayor Ken Hector loves having a good time, plain and simple. And when that “good time” results in thousands of dollars being raised for worthwhile causes, enabling him to play Santa right after the holidays, it’s better yet.
The Mayor’s Ball, also known as Ken’s Soiree, is coming back for the 16th time on Oct. 18 and everyone has a personal invitation from the mayor himself.
The theme is “Help Our Mayor Help Our Community,” and the event is advertised around town through a black and white poster designed by artist Donna Mattson.
Dancing, eating, meeting and giving is the name of the game for the gala that takes place from 7 to 11:30 p.m. at The Oregon Garden’s J. Frank Schmidt Pavilion.
Something new this year – The Oregon Garden’s resort hotel will be open for the first time, and patrons not wanting to make a long drive home can simply walk to the resort’s beautiful new lodging.
The ball, presented by Roth’s Family Markets and Silver Falls Bank, is also sponsored by Wooden Nickel Catering and Heron Graphics.
There will be a silent auction with an array of more than 100 items for bid (valued from $20-$400), an oral auction that is always the highlight of the show, and music featuring “High Street,” a swing band of regional renown that also does good time rock and roll, R&B and jazz.
The oral auction typically has wine tours, winemaker’s dinner, travel/lodging packages, hot air balloon or airplane rides and two favorites – tickets to the Ladies Night Out event and the luau at Orville Roth’s Detroit Lake home.
“There is something for everyone and every budget,” Hector said.
The Mayor’s Ball has raised nearly $250,000 over the past 15 years and supports many charities and non-profit organizations, including but not limited to SACA, Silverton Together, the Silver Fox Foundation, the Silverton Hospital Foundation, YMCA and St. Joseph Shelter.
“The purpose of the Ball remains unchanged since year one. We simply look to combine an evening of fun with fundraising. Last year alone we raised over $60,000,” Hector said.
Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, and are on sale at Roth’s, Silver Falls Bank, Silverton Chamber of Commerce and City Hall. Ticket price includes admission, hors d’oeuvres, and all non-alcoholic beverages. Questions may be directed to Hector at 503-551-3577.
Why does Mr. Mayor do this every year? That’s easy – it’s a ball.
