Rootead Enrichment Center is hosting their first annual African Masquerade Fundraiser on Saturday, April 6 at The Xperience by LuXury Escapes Event Venue located at 145 Farmer’s Alley in downtown Kalamazoo. The event will begin at 7:00pm and end at 11:00pm. Attendees must be 21 years or older.
The purpose of the event is to bring people together in celebration of African culture and to raise funds for Rootead’s programming throughout the year. All programs at Rootead share a mission to unite and liberate the community through the healing practices of their African ancestors. The idea for an African Masquerade came about as an extension of this mission.
Rootead’s Operations and Development Director, Carmen James, said, “The African Masquerade embodies the essence of African civilization in the spirit of culture and customs in a celebratory way. [It’s] a reason for people to get together, celebrate, dress up, and have fun with the focus being on our roots.”
This will be a black-tie event, with attendees encouraged to wear African masks and clothing in accordance with the central theme.
“I am most excited to see everyone dressed up! As adults, we spend the majority of our time on the go, whether you are going to work, to the grocery store, or taking care of the kids,” said Adia Brown, Community Healing Coordinator at Rootead. “Whenever you get the chance to look good and feel good, go for it!”
There will be a mask contest, where the person with the best mask wins a prize. Masks hold significance to the event as well as Rootead’s mission of liberation because they can be used to, “[hide] one’s identity, using different colors to express one’s freedom of speech and voice one’s emotions and opinions without judgment,” said James.
Angela “Double A” Anderson will be hosting with DJ Sanjay coming from Grand Rapids to provide the music for the night. Other entertainment will include a dance performance by Rootead’s adult performers and a dance-off. Bougiee Eats, owned and operated locally by private Chef Shar West, is providing heavy hors d’oeuvres. Attendees may also enjoy specialty drinks at the cash bar.
Funds are being raised through ticket sales and a silent auction during the event. Among the items available for auction will be a basket filled with Rootead merchandise.
Through this event, Rootead hopes to show attendees the togetherness and cultural appreciation the organization provides, inspiring people to give and to participate in programs in the future.
“[The event] will bring the community together and create that sense of family. When you feel that you are a part of something and see yourself being represented you will want to be on board!” said Brown.
Interested parties can get their tickets online, starting at $25. Those who purchase tickets in the $50 tier receive two drink vouchers and those in the $100 tier will receive two drink vouchers, along with early admission at 6:30pm. Sponsorship packages are also available on a tiered basis.
Individual and Sponsorship tickets for the African Masquerade Fundraiser are available online. Visit https://rootead.app.neoncrm.com/eventReg.jsp?event=727& to purchase tickets.
