fundraiser next weekend called "Hats Off to the BSOA''.

The fundraiser will be held at the Sonesta Beach on Saturday, May 29 from 7 p.m. until midnight. Those interested in supporting the society should wear a hat to the event -- costume is optional and dress is smart casual.

From 7 p.m. until 7.30 p.m., there will be a champagne reception followed by a buffet dinner with wine and dancing to Donovan.

BSOA committee member Angela Gentleman said a group has been working since January to put together a fundraiser that would make people more aware of the society's need for public support.

"This year's estimated budget to keep the BSOA running is close to $90,000.

We owe it to ourselves and to future generations to keep the Society's doors open,'' said Mrs. Gentleman.

"The Society is a registered charity and we wanted to ease some of the financial strain we have been feeling for the past couple of years,'' she added.

In addition to the fun of the evening, there will be 125 table raffle prizes worth a total of $30,000 -- sold only at the event itself -- including $100 gift certificates from places like Heritage House and the Marketplace.

"Twelve artists have donated wonderful works of original art, and Nicholas Lusher has donated a piece of art work from his gallery,'' Mrs. Gentleman said.

She noted that the business community has also been very generous in supporting the event. Other prizes include a weekend in a Florida condominuim donated by Keren Lomas, a Robin Blackburn hand-strung tennis racquet, a dine-around from the LIttle Venice group and jewellry from Wlaker Christopher, the Gem Cellar and Toloram's.

The event is limited to 250 people, and more than half of the tickets have already been sold.

Mad hatters: BSOA is hosting a fundraiser entitled "Hats Off to the BSOA''.

From left are Betsi Griffith, Deborah MacKenzie, Hilary Roberts, Angela Gentleman, Suzie Lowe and BSOA president Bruce Stewart. Other members of the committee not pictured are Clare Marshall, Leaf Gurr and Lenore Leitch.