On May 28 at Michelangelo’s Banquet Centre, there will be an attempt to set a recognized Guinness World Record for “the most amount of people in a non-profit setting wearing red noses for five minutes straight,” says Jan Nichols, the new director of development at the Dr. Bob Kemp Centre for Hospice Palliative Care in Hamilton. Proceeds for this unique event will go to the charitable organization in support of palliative care patients.

The fundraiser will be hosted by Dan McLean with celebrated Canadian glass artist Shirley Elford as honourary chair. The event starts at 6 p. m. and includes a five course dinner by Michelangelo’s prominent chefs. Tickets to the gala are being sold for $150.

When asked what guests can expect, Mr. Nichols explained that it won’t feature the typical silent auction or lackluster music.

“It’s going to be unlike any event they’ve been to in Hamilton. There won’t be speeches. It’s all about having fun and raising money for a very, very good cause.”

Five hundred tickets have already been sold and Mr. Nichols is hopeful this number will climb to 600.

“There’s huge value for $150,” he says. “You get back half of that in the form of a tax break, plus there’s an open bar with premium wines and drinks.”

Guests can look forward to a spectacular lineup of live entertainment as well. Corporate sponsors have each selected a song that will be included in the evening’s program. Guests will be encouraged to sing while Judy Marsales and the Noteworthies provide accompanying music.

Comedic impressionalist Houston MacPherson from Las Vegas will also amuse the audience with his impersonations of famous actors, politicians, TV personalities and singing legends. Some of his best acts include Jack Nicholson, Dean Martin, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.

Mr. Nichols is especially excited about the phenomenal prizes in store for guests that win on the $20 ticket draw. After hearing about the fundraising initiative for the hospice, famous glass artist Paul Rodriguez started creating two beautiful pieces of red glass blown in the old European style. “The two of them collectively are worth about $10,000 and one of them is going to be first prize,” explained Mr. Nichols.

Second prize is a wheelbarrow full of 50 bottles of wine and third prize is an evening at a bed and breakfast at Niagara-on-the-Lake with tickets to the theatre. A fun heads and tails game will give guests the chance to compete for a one-week golfing trip for two to Arizona, including airfare.

If you’re interested in volunteering or attending this special event, please see www.kemphospice.org for further details and information, or call Jan Nichols at 905-387-2448.