Bedazzling

House of Dazzle's Masquerade Ball planned to benefit The AIDS Project

Fabulous costumes, music and entertainment in celebration of Valentine's Day is planned from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. tonight at The Atherton Hotel, 125 S. Atherton St., for the House of Dazzle Masquerade Ball.

The cost of the event, which benefits The AIDS Project, is $8 at the door.

"The Masquerade Ball is a way for the House of Dazzle to simply do something nice, but making it exciting and different," said Rhett Ashley, the self-proclaimed ringleader of the House of Dazzle.

- Rhett Ashley, Dazzle ringleader

"We like to think of ourselves as the Andy Warhol Factory," Ashley said. "The House of Dazzle is a promotional team representing some of the most talented individuals this side of the United States."

The ball will feature a cash bar and music provided by The House of Dazzle DJ team, Electric Monk, DJ Jivey and Dr. Monk, spinning New York-style techno music.

The Masquerade Ball will be hosted by Ashley ("Seven"), as well as Alice Wonder, Brianna Nostalgia and Venus Flytrap. Prizes will be awarded for most outrageous, classy and best overall fabulous costumes.

"It is really gratifying for a group of individuals to come together and raise funds for The AIDS Project," said Kathleen Maroney, executive director of the project. "It is vitally important that people are aware of The AIDS Project to raise funds and awareness in the community."

The event has prompted some area stores to stock up on masks.

"We've had a lot of people coming in this week, and we're expecting Friday to be a big day also," said Steve Artz, owner of Tinderbox Gifts, 137 E. Beaver Ave., in reference to the ball.