Midnight At The OASIS Annual Event Raises Funds To Battle Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault Some of the “royal” guests at last year’s Midnight at the OASIS enjoy the festivities. Guests at last year’s Midnight at the OASIS hit the dance floor to the live music of Laditude. By Mike Shands For one evening the High Country will have its very own mountain oasis of fun, music, dancing, food and auction bargains. OASIS (Opposing Abuse with Service, Information, and Shelter) will hold its fourth annual Midnight at the OASIS celebration at the Green Park Inn in Blowing Rock Friday, April 28 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. The evening will feature dancing to live music by Laditude, a variety of culinary delights and a silent auction. Green Park Inn is also offering a special reduced lodging rate for Midnight at the OASIS guests, who can spend the night at the inn following the event for $59 plus tax. Those interested in the offer should call ahead and reserve a room. Last year’s event sold out and raised more than $15,000 for OASIS, which uses funds from the event to assist victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Watauga, Ashe and Alleghany counties. “The funds raised are important because we can us those funds however we see fit,” said Melissa Gee, OASIS assistant director. “We use them for emergency assistance for our clients, and we can also use it for our prevention efforts or needs for our shelter.” Laditude The Laditude duo of Ken and Amy LaDeroute will draw guests to the dance floor and keep them jumping with a wide variety of tunes for all ages including Top 40, soft jazz, rock and roll, Motown, beach music, country, swing, disco and funk. Ken plays guitar, harmonica, flute and sings while Amy serves as lead vocalist and plays keyboards. The Laderoutes have played music all their lives. During a 25-year career together as professional entertainers they have performed in major cities across Canada and the United States, touring with musical groups ranging from rock bands to Las Vegas style show-groups. They have recorded three albums and several singles, two of which hit the Top 40 charts in Canada. The albums include “The Great Rufus Road Machine,” “Oui” and their latest, “Here,” which is available from the Laderoutes. The Laderoutes’ newest project is a series of CDs of affirmations set to world beat percussive rhythms called Affirmation Cycle. For more information about Laditude look online at www.laditude.com. Dining Delights Professional caterer Claudia Clarke will please guests’ palates by providing a wide variety of delicacies such as pork loin, salmon, hors d’oeuvres and several vegetarian items. Silent Auction Those attending will also have the chance to bid on a multitude of items donated by local businesses. They include artwork, handmade jewelry, gift certificates to area restaurants and other businesses and home décor items. Dress for the event ranges from casual to formal to “sheik.” “Wear whatever is in your closet that you love, but don’t have to opportunity to wear,” said Jennifer Herman, OASIS executive director. Breaking the Cycle Funds raised by or donated to OASIS help break the cycle of abuse by intervening in and preventing domestic violence and sexual assault. Herman said that Midnight at the OASIS is the non-profit organization’s largest fund-raiser of the year. “Due to federal budget cuts, the funds raised at this event are a major part of our yearly funding, allowing us to continue providing education and services in our community,” she said. “We invite everyone in the community to attend this important event.” Corporate sponsors for the event include Mast General Store; AF Insurance; Holton Management; High Country Bank; Headwaters Enterprise; Shannon’s Curtain, Bed and Bath; Cheap Joe’s; and Dr. Michael Mayhew. Tickets Tickets for this event are $50 apiece, $35 of which is tax-deductible. They can be reserved by calling OASIS. There will also be a limited number of tickets available at the door. For more information or to purchase tickets call OASIS at (828) 264-1532 or look online at www.oasisinc.org.