Princess hotel, aimed at raising more than $50,000 for one of the Island's most active charities.

The inaugural Big Benefit Ball, a black-tie event, will be held on March 17 with the aim of raising in excess of $50,000 for PALS. His Excellency The Governor Thorold Masefield and Mrs. Masefield are the distinguished patrons of the Ball which is being organised by a group of volunteers.

Approximately 500 guests will be treated to a champagne reception, five course meal, grand charity raffle, silent auction, charity casino and dancing to the tunes of the Tom Ray Band and the Milt Robinson Trio.

It was while living in London, England, that Donald Bowman, Chairman of the Big Benefit Ball Bermuda, first came upon the idea of organising a charity ball. He found that community support and enthusiasm was tremendous there and in the second year Princess Diana was Patron of the annual event.

As a result, Mr. Bowman thought it would be exciting to re-create the affair in Bermuda.

"The response we've had has been exceptional, although not surprising given the number of people the PALS organisation has touched in this community,'' said Mr. Bowman.

"We hope to make the Big Benefit Ball an annual event in Bermuda.'' Ann Smith Gordon, President and Chief Executive Officer of PALS, said: "We are so very grateful to the Big Benefit Ball Bermuda committee for choosing PALS as recipients of funds raised from this exciting event.

"As PALS celebrates its 21st birthday this year, and as we begin construction of our own purpose-built facility, we could not ask for a more timely and special birthday celebration -- not to mention the donation to follow.'' Local corporations such as Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Deloitte and Touche, TeleBermuda International, Zurich Insurance (Bermuda branch), Centre Solutions and Lindo's have come through with generous donations. However, there is still a need for corporate sponsorship and donations.

Any interested corporations may contact Donald Bowman at 293-6271 (home) or at work at 239-6848.

Tickets are still available at a cost of $125 per person through committee members Bowman, Rebecca Bart, Neil Carroll, David Dunwoody, Janet Frid, Tanya Logan, Jo Orton, Sarah Smith or Jonathan Walk.