After exceeding expectations in last year's inaugural event, the organisers of this year's Big Benefit Ball have set an even bigger target for the February 16 black tie affair at Fairmont Southampton Princess Hotel.

A year ago the charitable event raised $81,000 for PALS after setting a minimum target of $50,000. This year they are hoping to raise at least $100,000 to aid four charities, PALS, the Committee of 25, The Physical Abuse Centre and Friends of the Bermuda National Library. Response has been very encouraging.

"The response has been exceptional," stated Donald Bowman, Chairman of the Big Benefit Ball.

"We were uncertain whether or not we could match the enthusiasm of our inaugural year, but the community continues to rally behind this fantastic event."

Mr. Bowman first came upon the idea of organising a Charity Ball in London in 1995 where he found that community's support and enthusiasm tremendous. In the second year Princess Diana was Patron of the annual event.

This month's ball will host an anticipated 700 guests who will enjoy a champagne reception, five-course dinner with wine, dancing to the Tom Ray band, a charity casino, silent auction and grand charity raffle.

The theme "Big Benefit Ball Bounces back to the 20's" will embrace the spirit of days of flappers, gangsters and speakeasies. Roaring 20's attire is encouraged and will help raise even more for charity - as sponsors are donating money for each guest who participate in the 1920's theme.

Local corporations backing the grand fundraising event include Deloitte & Touche, The Zurich Group of Companies, Jardine Matheson, Prime Management, Hemisphere Management, Cellular One, Capital G, BIC and Elontronic Services. However, there is still a need for more corporate sponsorship/donations.

Any interested corporations may contact Donald Bowman at 293-6271 (home) or 239-6848 (work) or at bigbenefitballlogic.bm

Ticket are available at a cost of $150 per person through committee members Bowman, Rebecca Bart, Neil Carroll, David Dunwoody, Janet Frid, Olive Gibson, Elizabeth Lewis, Sarah Smith or Jonathan Walk or at the e-mail address.