Masquerade Ball to raise funds for children in need

Tickets are available and sponsors are being sought for the Red & Black Masquerade Charity Ball, a fundraiser sponsored by the Miss Empire USA Pageant.

The event will take place Dec. 7 at 5 p.m. at Pins & Pockets in Lake Elsinore. Tickets cost $60. Funds raised will help buy coats and toys for local children in need.

This is the third year of the banquet. The first year, 200 coats were given to children. The second year, 250 coats were presented. The goal this year is to raise enough funds to help 300 children, according to Heather Sisk of the pageant committee.

Cost of the banquet includes dinner, masquerade mask, dancing, a variety show and awards given out. To purchase tickets, call Lowona Crawford at 855-412-4448, ext. 1, or Heather Sisk at 951-514-9690. Any local business interested in being a sponsor for the event should call Lowona Crawford.