When is the last time you got all gussied up in your best evening attire and went to a party? When’s the last time going to a party helped a good cause?

On March 21, from 9:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., Stanton Hall is hosting a ball in high-Natchez style, and everyone is invited.

Why?  Because Stanton Hall and Longwood, the two grand dames of Natchez architecture, are aging and in need of a bit of a facelift.

In 1970, a small group of concerned ladies founded a nonprofit historical association, qualified as a tax-deductible 501(c)3, toward “preserving the historical antebellum buildings in Natchez and Adams County, Mississippi.” They had the foresight to know that future repairs would be needed and funds to pay for those repairs might be scarce.

There are significant projects at both houses, including the repair and restoration of the dome, the dependency, and the kitchen at Longwood, and analysis and repair of structural issues impacting the exterior dentils at Stanton Hall.

Why a ball?  Because Natchez loves a party! The Save the Hall Ball hopes to gather donors and friends — old and new — at a black-tie party like the traditional Natchez pilgrimage balls with great food, an open bar and a dance band.

And you don’t have to be in a garden club or associated with the pilgrimage to attend. Tourists and other interested people can have insider’s access to this special event.

Dance music will be provided by the Atlanta-based band, Anita, who toured with The Supremes and Celine Dion and Peabo Bryson. Listen to a sample of their music at eastcoastentertainment.com/artist/anita.

A silent auction will take place at the ball, as well.  Items will include:

1. Stanton Hall Sunset Wine and Cheese. Enjoy a party in the Cupola for 20 with 8 bottles of white wine and light appetizers by Chef Bingo Starr.

2. Pig Roast at Longwood for 20-25, on the grounds at Longwood.

3. Stanton Hall Downton Abbey Dinner  for 14, in the dining room at Stanton Hall.

4. Fraser Smith Sculpture.

5. Aquamarine and Diamond Ring custom designed by Virginia Netterville of Netterville Jewelry.

6. Linden Bed & Breakfast Weekend Spectacular for four.

7. The Towers Collection Beaded Evening Bags.

8. John Grady Burns Package book and floral decorating class.

9. Signed copy of Regina’s Table at Twin Oaks, two-night stay at Twin Oaks,  breakfast at Dunleith. Distillery tour and mixology class for two and tasting menu at The Tavern.

10. Steampunk Espresso Bar Chocolate Set Package

11. As You Like It silver shop – Sterling-silver Tiffany Berry Spoon

12. Stanton Hall Watercolor by Debbie Burnett.

13. River Edge Suites one-night stay on Silver Street.

14. Nancy Cesario modern black pearls with matching chandelier earrings

15. Adams County Sheriff Chuck Mayfield Ride Along.

16. Moreton’s Flowerland Package.

17. Justice for Ella by Pam Johnson.

18. Jay Meyers Natchez photos.

19. Original art by Margaret Bennett Watts.

20. Antiques Forum 2 full-event passes.

21. Folk art by Patty Killelea.

22. Dina Mackney necklace.

Tickets to the ball are tax deductible.  Cost is $100 per person for the ball and $125 per person for the ball with reserved seating at the Tableaux. Available through Natchez Pilgrimage Tours at natchezpilgimage.com or call 1-800-647-6742 or 601-446-6631. Patron tickets are also available.  Please contact freibergerkatiea@bellsouth.net for more information on patron giving.

Elodie Pritchartt is a Natchez resident.