Auctioneer Michael Chambers, proprietor of Chambers Auction Services in Atkinson and a multi-certified professional fundraising auctioneer, brought his effervescent style and skills in auctioneering to elicit bids that won for the winners auction items including stays at resorts, tickets to sporting events and other pricey prizes featured at the recent "Unmasking Potential" Nashua Children's Home Inaugural Fundraiser Gala. Courtesy photo by  DYLAN MORNEAU PHOTOGRAPHY

NASHUA – Masquerade party guests in costume accents ranging from antlers to sequined hats attended the “Unmasking Potential” Nashua Children’s Home Inaugural Fundraiser Gala celebrated Oct. 4 at the Event Center of Courtyard by Marriott Nashua on Southwood Drive.

“We are incredibly grateful to the many supporters who made our inaugural gala such a huge success,” said Matt Fentross, executive director of Nashua Children’s Home. “The positive feedback on our very first gala inspires us to make next year’s celebration even better.”

A legacy of love for children that evolved from an orphanage opened in 1903 is the backbone of Nashua Children’s Home (NHC), whose main campus features a big white house complete with an onsite school, located at 125 Amherst St.

The compassionate team there nurtures and counsels Greater Nashua at-risk youth who are unable to live with their families of origin, while also providing educational services for young students and transitional living apartments for its young adults who have reached age 18.

Dinners of herb-roasted prime rib, chicken piccata or a veggie pesto rigatoni preceded the sharing from the podium of emotional success stories from former NCH residents who overcame heavy challenges in their lives and are now thriving due to support on many levels from the staff of the nonprofit.

Susan Goodwin from North Easton, Mass., added some majestic musicality on the bass trombone to the fundraiser gala for the Nashua Children's Home, performing amid the players of The Compaq Swing Band whose vocalist Elizabeth Ember also mesmerized the crowd with renditions from the big band era. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

Popular rhythms from The Compaq Swing Band, founded in 1975, followed dinner. The music from the 19-piece band enticed couples to the dance floor of the Helvetica Ballroom. Dylan Morneau of Dylan Morneau Photography chronicled the fundraiser.

Bass trombonist Susan Goodman of North Easton, Mass., was one who warbled some high notes as her bandmates performed tunes that sent Josh and Jackie Ryan of Windham and many more couples twirling across the floor.

Adjacent to the dance floor, dozens of high-value silent auction prizes drew attention. Later, Master Auctioneer Michael Chambers, an acclaimed professional for more than two decades, commandeered the microphone to begin a live auction.

Outstretched hands wielded auction paddles stretched skyhigh. Chambers fired up bidding wars for a Hilton Head Getaway Weekend, a Lakes Region Family Getaway, a scenic Balloon Ride for Two and other lavish prizes.

Local donors of auction prizes were prominent. A full-size Reeds Ferry Shed with installation worth nearly $7,000, Boston Bruins tickets in the twelfth row at TD Garden, and four Red Sox tickets in the Green Monster Section went to the highest bidders.

Josh and Jackie Ryan of Windham added feathers and sequins perfect for dancing and dining and auction bidding among a ballroom full of supporters whose good will benefited the recent "Unmasking Potential" Nashua Children's Home Inaugural Fundraiser Gala. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

A Nashua Police Station Tour and Ride to School in the department’s BearCat SWAT Vehicle drew a frenzy of bids. A Behind-The-Scenes With Nashua Fire Rescue Experience included a ride-along in a fire truck for an adult or a ride to school for a student.

Copious accolades from organizers for the donors, sponsors, speakers, partners and volunteer supporters of the “Unmasking Potential” Nashua Children’s Home Inaugural Fundraiser Gala were immediate and heartfelt.

More information on Nashua Children’s Home, 125 Amherst St., a nonprofit whose motto embraces “Enriching the lives of children and families since 1903,” is available online at nashuachildrenshome.org.

Miss New Hampshire Teen Megan Plaza, a multi-talented student at Londonderry High School, is greeted by Dylan Morneau whose photography documented the special guest's visit and other festivities enjoyed at "Unmasking Potential" Nashua Children's Home Inaugural Fundraiser Gala. Photo by LORETTA JACKSON

Mugging for the camera manned by Dylan Morneau of Dylan Morneau Photography are some of the generous supporters of "Unmasking Potential" Nashua Children's Home Inaugural Fundraiser Gala, an event that included a deluxe auction of extravagant prizes donated to the masquerade. Courtesy photo by DYLAN MORNEAU PHOTOGRAPHY

Masquerade gala guests Mike Turcotte and Mike Turcotte Jr., pause amid the festivities that benefited the Nashua Children's Home during the recent "Unmasking Potential" Nashua Children's Home Inaugural Fundraiser Gala celebrated Oct. 4 at the Event Center of Courtyard by Marriott Nashua on Southwood Drive. Courtesy photo by DYLAN MORNEAU PHOTOGRAPHY