The Moscow Salvation Army is hosting its first annual masquerade ball Saturday evening at the 1912 Center.

All proceeds from the event will be donated to local programs that help people in need throughout Latah and Whitman Counties.

The Salvation Army Masquerade Ball will have food, such as pizza and a nacho bar, a live music performance by a University of Idaho student, a raffle, a silent auction and a costume contest. Non-alcoholic beverages will also be served.

This is the first time a Salvation Army in the Northwest district has done an event like this, said Megan Carroll, Moscow Salvation Army store manager.

The Northwest district includes all Salvation Army branches in Washington, Montana and Idaho, said Carroll, who has worked for the Salvation Army for a year and a half.
Carroll said one of the goals for the event is to bring all the tools that the Salvation Army has at its disposal to the community’s attention.

“People just see us as a thrift store,” Carroll said, “so I really want us to be more known as a resource for those that need assistance.”

Carroll said it’s difficult to make donations last the whole year, because traditionally there are only kettle stations, which are the bell ringers dressed up as Santa Claus, outside of major stores around Christmas time.

The idea for the Salvation Army Masquerade Ball was conceptualized because there was a need for more donations and there are no events like this in the area that are affordable, Carroll said.

Katie Drymon, the social service center coordinator for both Latah and Whitman County, said the purpose of the Salvation Army Masquerade Ball, besides fundraising for the community, is to help raise awareness of all the Salvation Army has to offer.

The Salvation Army offers a variety of social services, such as assistance with paying for food, electricity, housing and transportation, Drymon said.

“It’s just a huge passion of mine to help people and to make sure that people get the things they need in life,” she said.

The prizes available for the raffle include complimentary hotel stays and gift baskets from various local businesses like Dutch Bros.

Salvation Army branches throughout the Northwest, along with other local businesses, have donated items for the event’s silent auction as well. Some items include animal rugs, jewelry, a hanging basket chair, artwork and a wooden motorcycle.

Tickets are available at the Moscow Salvation Army store and at the door of the event. They cost $50 for couples, $30 for individuals and $25 for military. The Salvation Army Masquerade Ball is from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m. Saturday in the 1912 Center at 412 E. 3rd. St.