Fine dining, a night of entertainment, and support for a good cause. Bay of Plenty's Multiple Sclerosis Society is holding a gala in order to raise funds to continue their work.

BOPMS events coordinator Joni Bentham says the charity gala evening at Baypark arena on June 17, will be an evening of great fun.

'We've got some amazing prizes, we just need people to be aware of it and put up their hand and say: ‘Yup we'll pay $100 and come.”

The masquerade-themed event will raise funds to support individuals with multiple sclerosis.

Joni says the society provides support in the form of a field worker. 'She will periodically go and visit everyone, and just find out what they need. Do they need help with filling out forms for disability services? Or do they need other support to help them live their daily lives?”

The society also hosts exercise classes. 'We also do a little social group and we meet once a month and just go for a drink.”

Joni has MS. She herself found support and community in BOPMS, and recognises the impact of the society. 'It's really important because I remember when I was diagnosed I just felt so lonely, I just wanted to talk to people that were in my shoes.”

Joni says this event is a community effort. 'Maybe that reflects that it is such a good cause, you know most people you talk to will know someone with MS, or has been in contact with someone with MS and can kind of slightly understand it, or even if they don't, are curious about it.”

Joni says the June 17 gala is not to be missed! There's guest speakers lined up, including Sir Gordon Tietjens, scrumptious food and a live auction. 'The prizes up for grabs are incredible – glamping, dinner vouchers, Bed Bath & Beyond merchandise, a hot pools experience and more,” says Joni.

'We've got some amazing prizes – we just need people to be aware of it and put up their hand and come.”

The BOP MS Masquerade Gala is at Baypark on Saturday, June 17. Tickets are $100 on eventbooking.com Or call 027 362 7952 or email: admin@bopms.co.nz