Out & About in RI: Final Masquerade Ball of Sojourner House raises $266K (photos)

On Friday, November 21st, Sojourner House hosted its 15th and Final Masquerade Ball at the Graduate by Hilton Providence, raising $266,000 to support life-saving services for victims of abuse. The theme of the fundraiser was Venetian Twilight; inspired by the masquerade ball’s origins in Renaissance Italy. More than 400 New Englanders came out in gowns, tuxes, and extravagant masks for this dazzling philanthropic event.

Guests bid on silent auction packages, enjoyed hors d’oeuvres, and Italian music by costumed gondoliers. The Tropigals, performed in the grand ballroom, with dancers wearing sky-high colorful wigs and dressed in corsets, glitter, and pearls. Kirsten Minsky–the founder and director of the dance group– is a former Sojourner House Board Member and a former Sojourner House client.

“Sojourner House has meant a great deal to me over the years,” said Minsky. “At a time when I needed to find words and a voice that I was unable to locate on my own, I found support through their mental health services. I see the Masquerade Ball as a way to celebrate and bolster Sojo’s work as well as that of those who are working towards safer futures for themselves.”

Alumni members of Toys 2 Men, Hasbro’s now retired employee band, took the stage and encouraged attendees in dancing.

Sojourner House’s President and CEO, Vanessa Volz, and Board Chair, Richard Godfrey, spoke to underscore the importance and urgency of Sojourner House’s work.

“As we close out our final Masquerade Ball, I’m reminded that every dollar raised tonight becomes a lifeline for a survivor who needs safety, stability, and hope,” said Volz. “Sojourner House has been saying ‘yes, we will help you’ to survivors for nearly fifty years, and with our community’s continued support, we’ll keep saying yes.”

DJ Dayglow took the stage and guests were invited to dance, mingle, and enjoy dessert! Per tradition, Sojourner House sponsored a themed cake competition, challenging some of the area’s most creative pastry professionals to create the top voted confectionary masterpiece. Participating groups included: Cakes by Eboni, Birchwood Bakery + Kitchen, and the JWU Pastry Arts Club. The winner was Cakes by Eboni, the reigning champion from 2024, who served a pumpkin spice cake with apple compote and cheesecake mousse.

Ryan Designs, a boutique decor and lighting company based in West-Warwick generously donated their decorative services, and the leading sponsors of the event were Landmark Medical Group, the Stoico/FIRSTFED Foundation, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island, Amica, and Arbella Insurance Foundation.

Here are select photos of the event:

Sojourner House is a comprehensive victim services agency dedicated to supporting and advocating for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking. Since 1976, the agency has assisted more than 60,000 individuals in rebuilding their lives after abuse. Sojourner House clients have access to emergency shelter, transitional and permanent supportive housing, clinical therapy, legal services, support groups, and intensive case management.

Reaching beyond the reactive, Sojourner House is an affordable housing developer. Over the last five years it has worked to build a portfolio of residential properties that are leased to victims and survivors of abuse. The organization is also focused on violence prevention education, and its staff facilitate workshops in both school and professional settings across Rhode Island.

Drop-In Center:

• 1570 Westminster St., Providence, RI 02909
• Open Monday to Friday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.