A new mental health fundraiser wants to broaden the understanding and knowledge of what it's like to live under a mask when living with mental illness.
Mask Off, a black tie event, takes place Feb. 23 at Cutten Fields.
It will feature dinner and a night of entertainment that includes a palm reader and hypnotist.
"The theme is 'release your mind,'" said organizer Charmaine Collins.
She hopes to raise $25,000 for four local mental health charities through the United Way: the Canadian Mental Health Association Waterloo Wellington, Mood Disorders Support Group, Torchlight Services and Family Counselling & Support Services for Guelph Wellington.
"It's about taking the mask off mental health," said Collins, who went through her own mental health issues at one point and is now looking to give back to the community.
Organizers have been going around the Guelph community shooting a fun video of people removing masquerade masks. It will be shown that night.
Collins said response to the event has been great.
"As soon as you say it's for mental health, people are really responsive," she said.
Title sponsor of the event is Bird Elinesky Schuett Private Wealth Management of RBC Dominion Securities, will require you to be disguised under your mask of choice.
The evening will begin with cocktails at 5:00 p.m., followed by dinner, a hypnotist, silent auction, and presenting speakers.
More information and tickets can be found here.
