The Women’s Studies program will host a masquerade party and silent auction 6:30 p.m. Nov. 1 in the Don Morris Room of the Memorial Student Center.

Traditionally, a masquerade is an event where participants attend in costume wearing a mask, but this party allows traditional Halloween costumes as well.

The event is for students and non-students, and all proceeds benefit MU Women’s Studies Program and SAFE, Inc. SAFE (Stop Abusive Family Environments) is a non-profit organization that assists families and victims of domestic violence in finding stability through a social justice approach.

Robin Conley, advisory board member for Women’s Studies, said she was really glad they were able to give support to such a good organization.

“Given that we’re doing a bigger event, we wanted to share the proceeds with somebody,” Conley said. “We picked SAFE because they work with some of the poorest counties in the state, and they have limited resources to back them up.”

The ticket prices are $15 for students and $25 for non-students. According to the event flyer, ticket prices include snacks, desserts, non-alcoholic beverages, and an open wine bar for attendees 21 and older with ID.

Attendees will have a chance to win door prizes and bid in a silent auction. The auction includes prizes from several donors, including Blenko Glass, Bottle and Wedge, Glenn’s Sporting Goods, Le Bistro, Paula Vega, Pottery Place and Starbucks.

“One of the big ticket items is offered by David Pittenger, who used to be the Dean of COLA,” Conley said. “He is going to be auctioning off a 5-course meal cooked by him and his wife at his house. They are apparently amazing cooks.”

Tickets must be pre-purchased from Jill Treftz (CH 312), Laura Michele Diener (HH 107), Robin Conley (SH 740B), Dawn Howerton (HH 305) or Leslee Browning (OM 357).

The event is open to the public.

Kelly Pate can be contacted at [email protected].