Old rock-and-roll music playing, Woodstock scenes projecting on the wall, bell-bottoms and tie-dye wearing all around — the third annual Hippie Ball on June 20 at the Brooklyn Arts Center may be a fundraiser for an important cause, but first and foremost, it is guaranteed to be a far-out time.
“When you dress up as a hippie before you leave your house, you’re planning to have a good time,” said Diana Hill, lead organizer for the event. Hill serves as a board member for Kids Making It, the nonprofit organization to which all the proceeds from the Hippie Ball are donated.
Hill said all but a few dress up for the ball, with costumes ranging from a tie-dye shirt to full regalia with wigs and painted faces. Prizes for best costume up the ante to pull out that old pair of polyester bell-bottoms or hit up the thrift store, but Hill noted the theme lends itself to low-key options.
“The nice thing about the ’60s is that’s when everybody started wearing jeans. So it’s easy to dress up as a hippie with just jeans and a tie-dye shirt,” Hill said.
Dinner prepared by Bon Appetit Restaurant will be available when the doors open at 7 p.m. The event’s regular act, The Steady Eddies, will kick off its set at 8 p.m.
“The Steady Eddies have been our band because they really hold true to the ’60s music,” Hill said.
In addition to the awards for best costume, the dancer with the best moves is also recognized. Hill said the dance floor is always packed with a range of styles and ages.
“We have people who were there during the ’60s and we have young people whose grandparents were there during the ’60s. It’s a good mingling and melding of the generations that are all there to have a good time,” Hill said.
Hill said the organization received approximately 70 incredible donations for a silent auction, ranging from a week’s stay at an oceanfront property in Belize, a beach bike, to harmonicas and local restaurant gift certificates.
James Taylor even participated by offering an autographed guitar.
“He really likes our program. Unfortunately it’s not going to get here in time for the Hippie Ball so even though we’ll make an announcement about it, we can’t auction it off,” said Jimmy Pierce, program director.
Kids Making It works with more than 300 kids each year, using woodworking and vocation skills offering at-risk youth a positive outlet and skill. The average annual cost per child is $1,000. Pierce said the organization relies on proceeds from fundraisers and grants to provide services.
“We have no recurring funding stream that we can count on. We have to write grants every single year and fundraise when we can just to make enough money to keep going for another year,” Pierce said.
Turnout for the event grows every year, he said. The first year started strong, with close to 150 people in attendance. Last year it jumped to 200 and the staff is confident this year will continue the trend of growth with 250 to 300 attendees.
Tickets cost $45 and can be purchased online, by phone or at the door.
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