TAHOE/TRUCKEE, Calif. and#8212; Marie Antoinette, Elvira, Cat Woman, a polygamist with two pregnant wives, Groucho Marx, several Count Draculas, a caveman, a few pirates, a couple of mummies, the Joker, and a good representation of local witches and#8212; these were just a sampling of the eclectic and interesting apparitions seen this year at the Truckee Rotary’s Haunted Cadillac Ball. More than 300 bewitching guests converged upon the Resort at Squaw Creek for a howling good time which kicked off with silent auction bidding, spirited potions and hors d’oeuvres in the ballroom’s foyer, followed by ghoulish grazing in the main ballroom on crab cakes, wild mushroom bisque, mixed greens, pasta, tuna prepared four ways, beef tournedos, and a frightfully decadent dessert display.

After dinner Truckee Rotary president Cathy Harry, looking fetchingly Gothic, welcomed the motley crew of guests. Master of ceremonies Ted Owens announced the costume winners which included a busty Doug Nickerson, Wes and Tanya Beyer with Terri Stone, Christine and Brian Marsh and Julie and Mike Monroe. Ten-piece Bay Area soul/rock band Five Point O rocked the room as the nocturnal mortals danced the night away.

Three lucky raffle winners were and#8220;treatedand#8221; to cash prizes: Stephanie Kiser of Sacramento snagged the grand prize of $15,000, $5,000 was won by Advanced Asphalt of Truckee and Truckee Rotarian Tally Brand won $3,000. Final figures for the fundraising event hadn’t been tallied by press time, but the silent auction netted $22,000 and 536 raffle tickets at $100 each had been sold.

and#8220;It was a great event with all funds raised going back into the community. The success of the event was due to a collective effort by a lot of Rotarians and volunteers,and#8221; said event chair Rick McConn. Proceeds from last year’s Cadillac Ball funded 36 worthwhile organizations, with a similar plan for this year’s funds.