Name: The Galatos Ball of Kindred Spirits
Date: Summer 91st, Sundown
Location: The Galatos Family Commorancy for ChildrenDetails: Shortly after the Commorancy's founding, the Galatos Family wanted a high class way of advertising the children they cared for, to be adopted by the best and brightest families. As such, the The Galatos Ball of Kindred Spirits was born in 325 AV. For weeks leading up to the event, the Galatos family advertises the formal ball by sign, crier, and word of mouth. This is both a night for the children and adoptive parents of Ravok, as well as a chance for the wealthy of Ravok to show off their wealth and generosity.
On the day of the event, the Commorancy is decorated in muted Fall colors, and all orphans are given leave from their studies and responsibilities. The Galatos Family brings in many members of its own family, as well as parents who've adopted from them to help get the children ready. This is done through a thorough bathing and grooming of all orphans, then donning them in gifted or borrowed dresses and suits. Often times those helping the orphans will give them tips on how to be more mature and entertaining while at the ball. It is considered bad form for a benefactor to say anything to them about being adopted or how to improve those odds, in those words at least.
Once all of the children are ready, they stand out front with members of the staff who take down the names of all who attend. Donations are expected, and the richer a person is, the higher the expected donation. High donors are honored by name at the dinner. However, if a prospective adopting parent or family attends, and signs their name to the list saying they are seeking to adopt, no donation is expected. Children are not expected to donate, as they are welcomed to socialize and dance with the orphans. Formal dress is required, and those not dressed properly will be turned away.
The Ball starts with mingling over hors d'oeuvres and sparkling wine, as well as tours of the Commorancy. Once the tours are completed, everyone is invited to a fine five-course dinner. During this dinner, the orphans will often present talents of performance, art or craft as entertainment. High giving donors are announced, as well as the people seeking to adopt children.
Following the dinner, everyone is directed into the ballroom where a live band is playing. Everyone is encouraged to dance with the orphans, and a variety of slow and faster songs are played. The more talented and trained orphans may occasionally put on ballroom dancing performances.
As the night wears down, chaperones seek out the potential adopting families privately, and ask if they are interested in any of the children. If they are, they are invited to return the following day to continue the adoption process.