Event, Raffle Tickets Available for Precious Pearl Gala

As of this weekend, tickets were still available for the Bernards PEC (Parents for Exceptional Children)'s third Precious Pearl Gala at 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 2, at the Trump National Golf Club, 900 Lamington Road in Bedminster. This year’s event, “Passport to Unexpected Destinations” will celebrate the many colors and cultures of disabilities while treating guests to the diverse flavors, sounds and sights of the world, according to the PEC.

Plans for the gala include a buffet dinner, open bar and live entertainers from around the world, such as a hula dancer, belly dancer, flamenco dancer, cigar roller and DJ, as well as a live and silent auction. Top live auction items include vacations in Hawaii, Cancun, Florida and Cape Cod. The silent auction will include luggage, cameras, jewelry, and much more, according to the PEC.

Dress for the event is cocktail attire, according to the PEC.

Tickets cost $175 per person and can be purchased online at www.bernardspec.com.

Proceeds from the event are scheduled to help the Bernards PEC expand art and dance programs, create new music and theater programs, and continue to support existing programs for children with special needs within the community. A portion of the ticket price will be tax deductible, according to the PEC.

Winners of the Dream Destination Grand Raffle also will be announced at the gala. The grand prize is a $5,000 voucher toward a vacation from First prize is a 3-Night Disney World Package and second prize is a Travelocity Gift Card. Raffle tickets are available by downloading the application form at bernardspec.com or by sending an email to bernardspec@gmail.com. Winners need not be present to win.

Anyone coming to the gala will have a chance to buy raffle tickets at the event. Anyone not attending can buy them until the day before, Friday, June 1, according to Stacey Irvine. The number of tickets sold will be limited to no more than 1,000.

Tickets cost $100 and are available by downloading the application form at bernardspec.com. Raffle tickets may not be purchased online, so the entry form must be downloaded and mailed or submitted to Bernards PEC, 5 Lyons Mall, Box 160, Basking Ridge, with checks made payable to the Bernards PEC.

The Bernards PEC is a not-for-profit organization that advocates for children with learning and developmental disabilities. The mission of the Bernards PEC is to provide the support that families, educators, and community organizations need to help individuals with disabilities reach their full potential, according the the PEC. "We also strive to create an environment of understanding and acceptance for persons with disabilities within the community," the group said.