This year’s keynote will be delivered by the 2021 guest speaker, Jeanette Betancourt, Ed. D., Senior Vice President of U.S. Social Impact for Sesame Workshop.
Following appropriate health and safety guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic, the fundraising event has been reimagined as a “virtual” event online for 2021.
The program is set for the evening of Thursday, February 25, beginning at 7 p.m.
A very special keynote will be delivered by the 2021 guest speaker, Jeanette Betancourt, Ed. D., Senior Vice President of U.S. Social Impact for Sesame Workshop. Dr. Betancourt will be speaking about Sesame Workshop’s decision to add a character who is experiencing homelessness as part of their Sesame Street in Communities program. Lily is a seven-year-old Muppet whose family comes to stay with friends on Sesame Street when they lose their apartment. Dr. Betancourt will provide insight into the creation of Lily’s storyline and the response from families and providers.
The evening will kick off with some music by honorary “Night Without a Tux” house band, Jazz Me, who are perennial favorites of attendees.
The gala’s program will feature a combination of live and prerecorded messages from not only Safe Harbour representatives but “Night Without a Tux” guest speakers from the past several years. The ability to “catch up” with former guests from across the country, as well as update attendees on the services of Safe Harbour, will be a unique opportunity afforded by the “virtual” format. Brief greetings and updates will be shared by speakers Bill Schuffenhauer, Lisa Smallwood, Ted Williams, J.R. Richard, Michael Yankoski, Robb Armstrong, Jenna Hosking, and last year’s speaker, Mark Horvath.
Another popular feature of Night Without a Tux, the silent auction, also will transition to an online event. Over 50 items will be offered to the highest bidders via an online auction format. The auction will open on Wednesday, February 24, and run through Tuesday, March 2, when the gavel will fall at 5 p.m. Bidders can anticipate popular items such as themed gift baskets, household items, and even a new bicycle! Items can be viewed here.
To support local restaurants, in addition to the mission of Safe Harbour, organizers are offering gala attendees the opportunity to purchase meal vouchers from North Hanover Grille, Market Cross Pub or Aroogas for $15. Vouchers may be donated to Safe Harbour for residents or used by attendees.
Tickets for Night Without A Tux are available for $25 on the Safe Harbour website by clicking here by e-mailing info@safeharbour.org or calling Safe Harbour at 717.249.2200. Tickets holders will receive a link to watch the event online. The link also will allow supporters to view the recorded event at a later time.