On Nov. 2 at 4:30 p.m., the Delta Zeta sorority will hold their eighth annual Rose Ball in the upper level of the John C. Myers Convocation Center.

The semi-formal event is $30, open to the public and includes a dinner available for purchase, dessert, a silent auction and raffles that can be entered for prizes.

The Rose Ball doubles as a fundraiser to raise money and awareness for the Delta Zeta philanthropies: Starkey Hearing Foundation, Painted Turtle Camp, Gallaudet University and Sertoma Foundation.

The chair of the event, Bailey Mast, has been preparing for the event by decorating, discussing food arrangements, table assignments and reaching out to businesses for donations.

Mast said all the proceeds go toward those with speech and hearing impairments. She added that a member of Sertoma will attend this year’s Rose Ball to give a philanthropy presentation on the topic.

“I have a personal connection to our philanthropy as a nurse and in my family,” Mast said. “While working in the hospital setting, I have encountered many patients with either partial or complete hearing loss…My grandfather also has hearing loss and without his hearing aides, he would not be able to communicate with us.”

Mast said she would encourage others to attend as her sisters have spent a generous amount of time and money organizing a themed basket to donate, guests get to see where the money raised goes to, and you are able to meet new people.

Delta Zeta’s Vice President of Philanthropy, Juliet Touma, said this event shows guests the importance of hearing and communication.

“Rose Ball is such an important part of advocating for our philanthropy because it raises awareness, raises money and raises our devotion to speech and hearing. Last year we raised over $14,600 which is incredible,” Touma said.

Touma said the Rose Ball is special to her as it brings all the Delta Zeta sisters together and strengthens their bond.

“When Rose Ball rolls around, it’s an all hands on deck event,” Touma said. “Everyone pitches in whether it’s set up, tear down, making presentations, or making raffle baskets. We all must work together in order for this and all philanthropy events to go well. It’s honestly a joy to see!”