Music students Elana Laing, left, and Kaz Simaitis perform at the Soirée.

Decked out in their formal finery (or, occasionally, in period dress), more than 300 guests filled The Market on Saturday evening (Oct. 16) for the third annual General Brock’s October Soirée.

The black-tie gala, held each autumn to commemorate Brock University’s namesake, celebrates Niagara and themes of 1812-13, when Isaac Brock commanded British troops during the War of 1812.

The fundraising event featured an actor in character as Maj.-Gen. Brock, who welcomed guests. It also featured musical and interactive performances by artists and students from the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts.

This year’s Soirée also featured Canada’s most famous chef, Michael Smith, who was on hand to craft the menu for the affair and conduct food preparation. He also joined in on the festivities.

In thanking the crowd who turned out for the $200-a-plate evening, Brock President Jack Lightstone said all funds raised will go to support student awards, improvements to the University’s learning environment and teaching capacity for the Marilyn I. Walker School of Fine and Performing Arts.

“Events like this support the University in its mission to develop, enrich and partner with the community here in Niagara and beyond,” he said.

The Soirée raised more than $55,000 to support a Bold New Brock. This amount will grow to more than $70,000 when matched by the Ontario Trust for Student Support program, which provides matching funds based on how much universities raise for awards for students with financial need.