Glitz and glamour, a fabulous band that will have you on the dance floor all night, and the fact that you are helping to raise thousands of dollars for the physically challenged is all the incentive you need to attend this year's Project 100 Ball.

For $140, women can put on their prettiest gowns and gentlemen can put on their tux and head to the Marriott Castle Harbour Resort on November 25, which will also be a celebration of the charity's 10th anniversary (the ball's theme).

The dinner and dance has often been labelled the "ball of the year'' due to its entertainment and the fact that it appeals to a wide-cross section of the community. This year, public relations officer Mrs. Sally Frith said the ball was special because it marked the 10-year anniversary of Project 100, and its balls, which have had many themes ranging from the Glitter Ball to Starlight.

And it just so happens that in celebration of the anniversary, the organisation is bringing back world-renowned American Society Orchestra Lester Lanin Orchestras, which played at the very first Project 100 ball.

The Lester Lanin Orchestras is one of the top society dance orchestras in the world and the leader himself Mr. Lanin believes that "music sets the mood and lends spirit to any occasion''.

For generations, Lester Lanin has been the bandleader of choice for the world's most distinguished social events.

He has played for the wedding receptions of Prince Charles and Princess Diana, Prince Andrew and the Duchess of York, and singer Billy Joel and his supermodel ex-wife Christie Brinkley.

He has entertained the kings of Norway, Spain, Greece, Denmark and Sweden, and every US president since Eisenhower. Queen Elizabeth wanted Mr. Lanin to play at her 60th birthday party so badly that she changed the date just so he could be there.

Town and Country magazine reported that Lester Lanin had probably played at 10,000 weddings and 3,000 debutante parties. However, he stated that he stopped counting years ago.

"He also stopped counting the number of business conventions, preppie proms, college reunions, birthday parties and charity balls he's played.

"He just plays on and on for countless counts and dozens of dukes, for Vanderbilts and Chryslers, du Ponts and Whitneys, for Rothschilds, Rockefellers and Roosevelts. And he won't tell you anything at all about any one of them which is one of the reasons for his enduring success,'' as noted in Town and Country. Most recently on July 1, 1995 the Lester Lanin Orchestras played at the wedding reception of Prince Pavlos of Greece and Marie-Chantal Miller at Hampton Court Palace. The same evening he played at the 50th birthday dance of Prince Alexander of Yugoslavia at Claridges Hotel in London.

In the past 10 years Project 100 has made great strides since forming and the ball aims to recognise that.

It was organised as an independent charity by a group of volunteer women interested and dedicated to assisting in the care, training and welfare of the mentally challenged in Bermuda. Mrs. Frith said Viscountess Dunrossil was the first honorary president and Mrs. Josie Ray was the honorary director. "It was proposed that each winter a formal dance would be held and a tea party would take place each May at Government House where several senior citizens would be invited to have tea and see a fashion show,'' she added. The first project of the organisation was to pay off the mortgage of Hope Homes -- which is a home for mentally challenged adults.

"The first ball was held in November 1986 at the Marriott Castle Harbour Resort and Lester Lanin played. The event was a resounding success and has continued to be ever since. Over the years other American bands have come to play such as Vince Giordano's Nighthawks Orchestra and Robert Hardwick and his Society Orchestra,'' Mrs. Frith said. She added that having paid off the Hope Homes mortgage and given the home a substantial financial start for their renovating programme, the committee felt the time had come to branch out and support other groups of challenged people on the Island.

"After some research it was learned that there were several organisations that assisted the mentally challenged and it was felt the best way of helping them was to form a trust -- to be called the Project 100 Trust -- which would make provisions for their needs through grants, scholarships, bursaries and loans.

"Organisations and individuals apply annually and every application is carefully considered before allocating funds.'' Mrs. Frith added that the trust, which was formed in 1991, has given away thousands of dollars to deserving people.

"In the early part of 1995 it was agreed that we would give support to the Windreach Farm project -- the brainchild of Mr. Alexander Mitchell a long time resident of Bermuda. This eventually will be a facility where mentally and physically challenged people of all ages can enjoy and participate in a broad range of recreational activities,'' Mrs. Frith said. "Ultimately, this village of 3.75 acres will include an equestrian centre, camping grounds, zoo, picnic area, playground and indoor activity centre.'' PLAYING FOR THE BALL -- Mr. Lester Lanin of Lester Lanin Orchestras.