The MASKED BALL on Sun 18.3.2012 is the marked genius of the same people behind the WIG PARTY. Held at the lavish Cafe De Paris, this is 100% charity event. SeenQueen.com catches up with Joshua Rafter, one of the parties founders, to find out more…..
How did you come up with the idea of the Masked Ball?
The W.I.G. Party has now for many years been raising money for HIV and AIDS and championing a fair life for those living with the disease. Our aim is to always support charities within this field. Equally every year since 1993 the Life Ball is held in Vienna, the event is a huge fundraiser for fighting AIDS and celebrating life. We got our inspiration from there for our second style of event.
Why a Masked Ball?
The Masked Ball is organised by the same team that puts the annual W.I.G. Party together. With all the effort that goes into that event we thought we’d keep the momentum going with a second, slightly less extravagant party to raise even more money for HIV and AIDS charities. The Masked Ball will be just as much fun, but with a simpler format. For example there is a more low-key (but no less fabulous) dress code and a lower ticket price. So it will be much easier for more people to come along and have some fun while raising money for a great cause. We’re really excited about the event – there’s something so seductive about a mask, isn’t there?
Why is it being held now in March?
To be honest it feels like a natural distance in time from the mammoth W.I.G. event held every year in October. It is also enough space that the committee and I feel we have now fully recovered from our organising ordeal. Big smile.
Does it support the same charities as Wig Party?
We are once again supporting NAT (National AIDS Trust). NAT plays a really important role in influencing policies and decision-making on HIV. The non-profit-making organisation also campaigns for the rights of those affected by HIV, fights the stigma associated with it and works hard to educate people on the subject and prevent the spread of the virus.
Quite simply, they are pioneers, who work tirelessly for this good cause. So we are proud to help support the charity in its efforts, by getting the name out there, raising awareness and much needed cash. 80p of every pound donated goes towards their core HIV policy work. So anyone who comes along to The Masked Ball knows the money we all raise will go towards shaping attitudes, challenging injustice and changing lives.
Apart from the Masked theme, is this an extension of the Wig Party or a totally different concept?
The Masks are not a theme as such, this is a brand new event from the W.I.G. Party bunch of volunteers. There is no pageant and judges with the usual plethora of trophies and prizes. This really is a dance party first and foremost but with the easy twist of everyone donning a mask. Guests at this event need only bring a mask (which is compulsory) and some mates and have a really great time. The aim is to bring people together for a good cause, without feeling obliged to spend loads of time and money on costumes. But most importantly, just bring yourself and prepare to have a really great night, knowing you are supporting an equally great cause.
What we can we expect from this party?
We’ve got a rocking line up of DJs playing all evening at The Masked Ball, including Marco Gee, Rob Skyes and D’Johnny, Brent Nichols and Tony English. Plus come along if only to check out Peyton, who’s launching his new track – boy can that guy sing!
We obviously have a few tricks up our sleeve to make it all a bit different in true W.I.G. Party style, with wandering magicians and fortune tellers on the upstairs terraces for those taking a break whilst everyone else gets on down to some stomping tracks across the two dance floors.
We will also be announcing on the night the brand new theme for this years even bigger W.I.G. Party.
If people want to support the cause but can’t make the party, how can they contribute?
Please go to the website www.wigparty.org and hit the donation link. NAT have set up a donation page and all monies will go direct to them. Every penny really does count these days so by donating as little as £5.00 it truly will help. Thank you.
You can also keep up with all our event at the website or through our social media pages:
www.facebook.com/TheWigParty | www.twitter.com/WigPartyLondon
Is this a new annual event?
The Masked Ball is an annual charity event and will now sit comfortably alongside its older and bigger sister event the W.I.G. Party. If the group of volunteers who make up the committee have the staying power and people continue to turn up and support our fundraising events then we may just pop in one or two other new event ideas that I personally have brewing. We have been approached to do something as part of the LBGT Olympic celebrations, as well as something for Lovebox and a rather large sponsor has been trying to lure us to Miami for the first W.I.G. Party there. To be honest it all depends on whether the committee and myself have enough time and energy as with all of us having full time time jobs and successful careers these events to take their toll. I do hope though that one day the W.I.G. Party will be held in the Royal Albert Hall, full to the brim with humungous amounts of synthetic hair. Now would that not be a sight?
Added Note
The W.I.G. Party committee are always looking volunteers who feel they can help in giving back. If you have a talent or skills that will benefit these events and are able to step and make them happen then please do get in touch at josh@wigparty.org We would love to have you on board.
W.I.G. – Where Inspiration Gathers
