By Kathryn Reed

Changing things up a bit, while keeping tradition and offering something that others don’t. That is the winning combination for Elegant Evening.

The main fundraiser for Soroptimist International Tahoe Sierra is now in its 25th year.

“Not only do we raise funds, but we want it to be a fun community party as well,” Laurie Brazil, president of the Soroptimist group, said of the April 26 event. “One aspect that sets us apart is we have a very large art piece to the silent auction.”

Elegant Evening is celebrating its 25th year. Photo/Provided

It is such a well-attended event that even now being at a larger location than when it first started Elegant Evening often sells out. And this is good for the community because every penny raised is spent here.

Most of the money goes toward programs for children in the form of scholarships, self-esteem workshops at South Tahoe Middle School, anti-bullying programs, and the summer reading program that provides K-8 students on the South Shore with a book at the end of the school year that they get to keep.

As much as $40,000 has been raised. It comes from ticket sales, silent auction and “elegant bags”. The latter are like mystery bags full of themed goodies ranging from gardening items to coffee to power tools.

The ticket price went up this year to $55 – an increase of $5. But it had not gone up in the last decade.

“We are the most affordable event for what we offer,” Brazil told Lake Tahoe News.

No buffet or finger food for these women – it’s a sit down dinner.

No disc jockey or band playing music that people can’t dance to – it’s the Soul Experience with Trey Stone. And the band does its part to help out by giving Soroptimist a break on the bill.

This group also rallies to produce one of the largest and most diverse silent auctions.

Thran’s Flowers helps with decorations to add to the elegance.

In the early days Elegant Evening started off as a cruise night where people would dress up as if they were going to different locales around the globe.

It’s still a dressy affair, but then again it’s Tahoe, so you won’t be banned for wearing something more casual.

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Notes:

• This year’s event is April 26 from 5:30-10:30pm at Harrah’s Lake Tahoe.

• Tickets are $55 and may be purchased online.

• Donations for the silent auction will be taken until April 10.