FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What Should I Wear? The Spring Ball is a "creative black tie" event. "Black tie" because it is a formal evening event; and "creative" because we know how beautifully Pagans like to dress. In addition to black tie or evening gown, this might mean your best ritualwear, gothwear, or renwear. We encourage you to exercise your imagination and come to the Ball in whatever suits you as your celebratory best (no fetishwear, please).

Do I Need To Wear A Mask? In the best spirit of a fanciful masquerade, masks are encouraged but not absolutely required. If you do bring a mask, you may take it on and off depending on your preference, or choose to wear it until the official unmasking around 11 p.m.

What Time Do I Need To Be There? Doors open to the masquerade at 6:30 p.m., and dinner seats promptly at 7:30 p.m. Please be aware that if you arrive later than 7:30 p.m., logistical contraints may prevent us from providing you with dinner.

Where Can I Buy A Mask? Subject to availability, a collection of hand-made masks will be available for auction at the Ball. If you prefer to mail-order a mask in advance, we might also recommend Mansour Designs and Miscellaneous Oddiments LLC.

What Else Should I Bring? Several amazing items have been donated to this year’s silent auction, so please bring some extra cash (or your checkbook) if you’d like to bid on any of these great items.

What’s For Dinner? Dinner is a full three-course meal with chicken entrée, beverages, salad, and dessert. A vegetarian option is also available upon request during registration. Meals will be served promptly at 8 p.m., so please arrive a little early in order to be seated in time for dinner.

What's the Ticket Refund Policy? Purchased tickets are considered donations to the OHF and are not refundable. However, arrangements can be made to transfer a ticket to another, or to donate a ticket back to the OHF by writing shea@openhearth.org. Faux Reservation and Entry Donations (FREDs) can also be converted to real admissions up to one day before the Ball.

Are Minors Allowed? Minors accompanied by their parents are always welcome at OHF events. However, parents should keep in mind that the Spring Ball is a high-end and adult-oriented event with an open crowd, sometimes loud music, and a cash bar. Proof-of-age is required at the bar and those under age should not even try to buy.

How Do I Get There? For directions to the hotel and important parking instructions please see our directions page.

How Do I Reserve A Room? The OHF has a small number of rooms available at the hotel at a discounted rate. To receive the discount, simply tell the hotel you are with the Open Hearth Foundation event on April 12 when you make your reservation. To make a reservation, call the Hilton Silver Spring at (301) 588-1841 or visit their website.

Can I Bring Promotional Materials? Promotional space at the Ball is strictly reserved for Ball performers and Ball sponsors. However, you do have the additional option of purchasing space in the Ball program for $200 (a full page ad). To purchase an ad, please contact Sherry at: sherry@openhearth.org.

Can I Take Pictures? Sure, but we would ask that you first check in with us at the welcome desk; and remember that you should ALWAYS ASK PERMISSION before taking pictures of anyone who is not in your party.

What If I'm With The Press? The Press is always welcome at the Ball; and Press Access Passes can be made available on request. Once on site, please also check in with the welcome desk so that we can introduce you to our press spokesperson.

What If I Have More Questions? If you have additional questions about the Fifth Annual OHF Spring Ball please contact either of the Spring Ball Event Committee Co-Chairs, Sherry, at sherry@openhearth.org or Olivia at olivia@openhearth.org.