If life is a cabaret, as the movie song claims, then more than 150 guests were living life to the fullest at the Langley Lodge 1940s cabaret night on Oct. 13.

Held in the Summit Theatre at Cascades Casino, the event is the annual fundraiser for the non-profit seniors' complex and raised more than $30,000 this year.

The concept is to lets guests have fun at the dinner so that residents can have fun throughout the year doing activities not likely offered at other care facilities, organizers noted.

"These are things that we choose to do that maybe you don't see in other lodges," said Patrick Matiowski, director of fundraising for the Langley Care Foundation - the organization responsible for raising funds for the Langley Lodge.

Dinner, music, and dancing brought the 150 guests out, including eight residents from the lodge who were accompanied by volunteers and staff.

"The room was well decorated to the time in the 40s cabaret feel," Matiowski commented. "Guests received a glass of champagne as they arrived."

A 12-piece jazz ensemble - Company B Jazz Band - completed the cabaret feel and those who came in costume competed for best male, best female, and best couple prizes.

The evening also included a presentation to illustrate the importance of fundraising to residents of the Lodge. Money raised at the cabaret night will go towards horticultural therapy, music therapy, and pastoral care support programs, Matiowski noted.

The big prize of the evening was a raffle for a trip to New York, including tickets to a Broadway show and spending money. The winner was Sasha Vanderkerkhove.

"We were pleased to witness that the community agrees with our charity's mission - 'to improve and enhance quality of life of the elderly and people with disabilities'," said Matiowski.

editorial@langleyadvance.com