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By JOYANNA LOVE | Managing Editor

Mo’s Guardian Angelz is holding a formal Masquerade Gala to raise funds to provide Christmas presents for teenagers in foster care.

The event will be held at 7 p.m. on Dec. 17 at the Jemison Municipal Complex.

The organization serves as a resource providing activities and mentoring for teens in foster care.

Maudlett (Mo) Worthy established Mo’s Guardian Angelz in February 2020.

Admission to the masquerade is free, but donations will be accepted throughout the night. An auction will also be held. Several of the girls in the program have created art that will be auctioned off at the event, Worthy said. Live music and heavy hors d’oeuvres will also be provided.

Speakers at the event will include Mike King from Raleigh’s Place and Trayce Chancellor of Chilton County DHR.

Masquerade masks and formal attire are required. The dress code for the event holds a lot of symbolism for the coordinator.

“I know a lot of these kids hide behind masks,” Worthy said. “They hide their feelings very well. That is one of the reasons why I am doing a masquerade gala, so they (attendees) can feel how it feels to be behind a mask.”

The deadline to RSVP to Worthy at 205-479-2603 is Dec. 10.

Sweet Calhoun organic soap vendor will also be at the event. Additional vendor spots are available. Anyone interested in being a sponsor or volunteer at the event should contact Worthy.

Mo’s Guardian Angelz is important to Worthy because she was in foster care in Chilton County from age 5 to 17.

“DHR basically saved my life — twice,” Worthey said. “… What I basically want to teach these kids is how to cope with their environment without medication, without thinking that they have to be numb to move past their issues.”

Worthy said she has been able to help teens when they are “acting out” to “redirect them” through her organization.