It's the hottest ticket of the season and one socially conscious young professionals are snapping up.
- Sarah Segal, Rouge Co-chair
Reprinted with permission from Toronto Star*
Leslie Ferenc, Staff Reporter
No question the annual Rouge Masquerade Ball is the place to see and be seen, but there's more to the gala than being on the A-list. For the price of admission, the 1,000 guests have an opportunity to support the most vulnerable in their community.
"Purchasing a $35 ticket provides one week of community dinners for a person living with mental health issues," said Sarah Segal, a long-time volunteer with United Way Toronto GenNext, which is hosting the event.
Segal is party planner extraordinaire for this year's gala.
"Two tickets provide child care for an infant for a day. A double date can send a 6- to 12-year-old to summer camp for a week. And anyone who's gone to camp understands what that does for a child."
Rouge is GenNext's marquis fundraiser. Proceeds from the event help support 200 health and social service agencies. As important, the gala raises awareness about United Way Toronto and the invaluable work it does in the community, said Segal. Engaging young professionals in their 20's and 30's to invest in their city and its people through United Way is one of the key roles of GenNext.
For Segal, a successful commercial real estate sales associate involved in buying and selling hotels, volunteering with GenNext has been rewarding on many levels. Not only does it give young adults "a voice" in their city, it provides an opportunity for personal growth and "to give back," she said.
"When you live, work and play in a community, you should be part of it," the 28-year-old said, adding United Way is an organization "that transcends the cityscape and touches everyone."
This year's Rouge Ball will be held Nov. 15 at The Suites at 1 King St. W. For tickets, go to www.unitedwaytoronto.com/rouge.
* Reproduced with permission - Torstar Syndication Services
"Don a mask and go dance for a good cause" was published in the Toronto Star on Monday November 5, 2008.
