Members of the Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County will host their 70th annual Charity Ball event on Saturday, December 3.
The theme for this year’s event is ‘Platinum Celebration’, according to a press release. Decorations for the event will include throwback photos and mid-century décor as a nod to the League’s 70 years of achievement promoting volunteerism and supporting women in the community.
Charity Ball is the League’s signature fundraiser with proceeds from ticket sales, sponsor tables, and other donations benefiting League initiatives during the coming year. Some of the League’s initiatives include the Diaper Bank of North Georgia, the Feeding our Future program, and numerous Done in a Day projects.
One of the traditions of Charity Ball is to have Belle candidates. Each year the League recruits local high school students as Belle candidates; these candidates are sponsored by a local nonprofit or civic organization.
Belle candidates raise awareness about League initiatives and fundraise on behalf of the League. The Belle candidate who raises the most money by the evening of Charity Ball is crowned the Belle of the Ball.
“For our 2022 Platinum Celebration, we are welcoming three new sponsoring organizations: Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier, Girls Unlimited, and WomenSource,” said Leah Stewart, fundraising director for the League. “We are thrilled to be able to expand our reach with these additional groups.”
This year’s Belle candidates are:
- Catherine Chandler, representing Gainesville Jaycees
- Sarah Davidson, representing Boys & Girls Clubs of Lanier
- M’Kaylah Jackson, representing WomenSource
- Allie Lazenby, representing Rotary Club of Gainesville
- Mikaila Long, representing Girls Unlimited
- Ella Martin, representing the South Hall Rotary Club
Last year’s Charity Ball and Belle candidates raised record-breaking funds, and Stewart said the League hopes to continue that success with this year’s ball.
“Last year far exceeded our expectations, and we have been able to pour so much into the community this year,” said Stewart.
Community members wishing to donate to a Belle candidate can do so on the Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County website. Tickets for Charity are also available on the website for $100 for an individual and $175 per couple. Tickets for Junior League Sustainers are available for $150 per couple.
Each ticket includes dinner, a signature drink, and two drink tickets. Table sponsorships are also available in two levels: Platinum Sponsor tables for $2,000 include 10 tickets, a reserved table, and logo recognition. Standard tables can be reserved for $1,500 and include 10 tickets.
Formal attire is requested for the event. No one under 21 years old will be admitted to the Ball.
The 70th annual Charity Ball starts at 7 p.m. at the Ramsey Conference Center on the Lanier Technical College campus.
