PROCTORVILLE — It’s one of the most glamorous events in the Tri-State and has been for years. The Paramount Arts Center’s Gala.

Begun in 1986, when inaugural guests danced under a tent at Bellefonte Country Club to the music of society bandleader Meyer Davis, the gala brings in on average $100,000.

That’s about 10 to 15 percent of the PAC’s budget. It’s not only glamour. It’s big bucks for Ashland’s performing arts center.

And for the past six years Gloria Hayslip, always wearing a new posh frock each time, has been a part of it and will be again at this spring’s gala on Saturday, April 12.

However, she won’t be one of those who dine and dance away the evening until the witching hour. While the 600 or so gala patrons dine on sushi, shrimp cocktail and beef tenderloin, Hayslip will munch pizza, when she gets the chance.

That’s because Hayslip and her husband, Bill, are part of a special contingent — the one that volunteers to make sure every aspect of the deluxe evening is just that.

“We really enjoy the theater and my husband was involved with drama — he did the props and backstage area — at Marshall years ago,” Hayslip said. “It’s a festive party atmosphere, live music, very elegant.”

That Saturday the couple will show up at 5:30 about an hour before dinner to get final instruction from the Paramount staff.

“As the guests come in, my husband and I will give out the numbers where their tables will be,” Hayslip said. “There will be

a red carpet out front. People taking videos. Last year the governor of Kentucky came.”

Then, as the guests file into the ballroom, volunteers will start setting up and supervising the silent auction that offers jewelry, trips to resorts and gift items.

It’s an evening the Hayslips enjoy because of their love for the Paramount.

“It is the greatest cultural center in our whole area,” Hayslip said. “They have been able to bring in a lot of big production shows.”

Tickets for the gala are still available by calling the PAC box office at (606) 324-3175. Costs for an individual seat is $200. Corporate sponsorships are also available and may be acquired by calling Tammi Holbrook at PAC.

Also raffle tickets for prize money are available. There will be are drawings for $20,000, $10,000 and five $1,000 prizes. Tickets cost $100 and only 1,000 are sold. You do not have to be present to win and may be purchased through the PAC box office.