GRAFTON — On Saturday, May 3, Youth Services holds its 16th annual Gala & Silent Auction, “Denim & Diamonds,” from 4:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Grafton Inn.
The festive evening of food and drink includes a silent auction and live music for dancing, with all proceeds benefitting the agency's critical safety net for area youth.
Formerly known as the Jazz Jubilee, the event is sponsored by The Richards Group and The Windham Foundation. Denim & Diamonds will feature entertainment by The Rear Defrosters, a local band specializing in authentic honky tonk, classic country, and rockabilly rave-ups.
Many of their songs were first performed by country legends such as Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Ray Price, George Jones, and Ernest Tubb.
The gala at the Grafton Inn will begins at 4:30 p.m. with a lively cocktail hour and silent auction featuring handcrafted jewelry, stunning artwork, getaways to New York and abroad, and meals at the area's finest establishments.
A barbecue dinner, prepared by the inn's widely recognized chef, is served at 6 p.m.
Silent auction bidding closes after coffee and dessert. The musical performance and dancing will begin at 8 p.m. in a cabaret setting in Phelps Barn. A special $79 rate is offered for an overnight stay at the inn, with breakfast included.
Tickets are $95 ($55 of which is tax-deductible), and proceeds benefit the many programs of Youth Services, including Big Brothers Big Sisters, Juvenile Court Diversion, the runaway program, Transitional Living, and Peer Outreach.