Jason Sandford
Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.
Asheville, here’s your chance to scope out the mysterious Zealandia castle up on Beaucatcher Mountain overlooking Asheville, have a great time and benefit LEAF at the same time. Check it. Press release here:
The Masquerade Ball at Zealandia Castle: An Enchanting Evening of Mysticism and Mischief
On Saturday, November 8, Don and Alexandra Clayton are excited to host their 3rd annual Masquerade Ball for the benefit of LEAF. The event takes place at 7 p.m. inside one of Asheville’s most famous landmarks, Zealandia; the mysterious castle atop Beaucatcher Mountain. This is a by invitation only event and tickets are purchased at the door for $100. All proceeds directly benefit LEAF Schools & Streets, a non-profit organization dedicated to creating afterschool programs for underprivileged children in Asheville’s poverty stricken areas.
As an outreach arts education program, LEAF Schools & Streets provide year round dance, theater arts and music classes for kids whose families cannot afford them. By attending, sponsoring, or donating to the Masquerade Ball your investment gives a disadvantaged child a safe and positive place to go after school.
“The Masquerade Ball is a perfect blend of rollicking elegance and fundraising,” said Don Clayton, Founder and Host of The Masquerade Ball. “In the last two years, this special event has raised nearly $20,000 to fund art programs for our local youth. All set in the backdrop of a haunted, historical and magical Asheville castle. What could be better?”
This is a wonderful and unique way to directly invest in Asheville’s community. “Expect to meet new people that are fun and fabulous, yet you may never see their face. The setting and spirit is truly captivating,” said Elena Chu, Chief Operations of LEAF.
“My favorite part of the masquerade ball is the feeling. Being with the Clayton’s and their vibrant spirit of loving life,” said Jennifer Pickering, Executive Director of LEAF. “It is the perfect ending for fall and a great beginning for the pre-holiday season.”
The Masquerade Ball is a whimsical event that celebrates creativity, art and the act of giving. Experience magic and wonder with entertainment by magicians, tarot readers, belly dancers and more astounding surprises. What a great opportunity to revel in the mystique of Zealandia and Helen’s Bridge. Play make-believe beneath the moonlight and waltz through the wondrous rooms of an elegant, century old castle. Prepare for mystery, romance, glamour and glitz!
For more information including invitations, donations and sponsorship please contact Claire Clayton at [email protected] or 828.777.1651.
Image link for Zealandia.
I would like to know if my high school ensemble can sing at the castle one year. If we ca we could hold it as a foundrasier. If you can email me about allow us to hold a performance there that would be great thank you.
I would love to go and support LEAF, but sadly doubt I will be invited.
Hi Trish,
If you are seriously interested in coming to the Masquerade ball please let me know! So far this event has been by invitation, but we need more interested people to invite. I would be happy to give you more information- in no way is this event exclusive, we just like to send out invitations to people we know are already interested to make it more fun. Anyone can absolutely come to the door and purchase a ticket, we just encourage you let us know for catering/capacity purposes. I’m so sorry for the confusion!
Thank you,
Claire Clayton
Hi Clare I would be so very interested in coming to this event or any event at this castle. It has been a dream of mine forever (I was born and raised here) to see this castle. I am in healthcare and give to many charities and would pay this amount or above to a good cause. Please contact me, I would very much appreciate it.
Teresa Fender
While I believe in the charity- nice! “by invitation only event” – Another event for rich people! Yay!
See Claire’s response above. The invite is open to anyone interested, but serves the purpose of planning catering etc.! This isn’t exclusive, just send her a message 🙂
Does this event still occur? I would be interested in attending this as well.