Beverly Savage believes that in the civil war in Ireland, the children are the ones getting hurt most.
“There is a civil war going on there and the children are the biggest victims,” said Savage, a member of a group called the Hoboken Friends of Project Children, last week.
The organization, which is designed to raise money and awareness about the plight of children in Northern Ireland, is having its fourth annual Fancy Dress Ball on Saturday, April 28 at the Harborside Club in Jersey City from 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., according to Savage.
The event, partly sponsored by Guinness, includes live entertainment by the soft rock band Straight Ahead, featuring performers John Bauers and Donna Harris. About 350 people from around the county are expected to come, and tickets are $125 per person.
The 10 members of the Hoboken Friends meet throughout the year to prepare for the dance, and they receive support from the local Irish community, according to Savage. The project, based in upstate New York, helps more than 14,000 children every year.
The money raised from the event enables the organization to send pre-adolescent Irish children to families in America for four to six weeks during the summer as part of a living abroad program.
“They are by no means spoiled in their homeland. Their country is divided and that is a hateful environment for children,” Savage said. “Coming here, they are not fearful. They find Americans to be friendly.”
The children are selected by social workers in Northern Ireland based on their economic status. Savage has had a couple of kids stay at her house each year, and she has noticed that they are excited to meet new people.
Some of the attendees at the event will be wearing “fancy dresses,” organizers say, but such is not required.
For tickets or more information, call 795-9544.