Beta Tau Delta’s virtual charity ball underway
Staff report
It’s the only charity ball where you can show up wearing sweatpants.
How cool is that? (And if you want to wear even less, well, that’s up to you. Just don’t tell us.)
Seven years ago, Jefferson’s Beta Tau Delta went virtual with its annual charity ball, changing up a generations-old formal affair.
For more than 75 years, the holiday season in Greene County was kicked off with Beta Tau Delta’s charity ball, complete with a theme, elaborate decorations, an orchestra and refreshments.
But, it’s that time of year again — time to pull out your very best sweatpants.
In part because of high costs, the children’s charity sorority reinvented the ball to generate the most money possible for projects and programs to benefit area youth.
Instead of selling tickets to a live event, the sorority devised a way to seek donations without spending money for a band, a facility, refreshments or decorations.
It became a “virtual” charity ball, with residents choosing items to buy from a mail-in Shopping Guide for special themed decorations, entertainment and refreshments.
“The virtual ball has been highly successful because residents don’t have to leave their easy chairs at home to have some fun and support the many programs funded by Beta Tau Delta,” according to event organizer Carole Custer.
Current president Cassie Dozier announced that this year’s Virtual Ball is themed “Let it Snow” with decorations, food and entertainment.
The Shopping Guide suggests ways a person can participate, all from the comfort of home.
“What you would normally spend to go to a glitzy, live Charity Ball, like a new dress, new tie, pedicure or hairstyle can now be donated to directly help with programs for area youth,” Dozier said.
Shopping Guides and envelopes are available at the following Jefferson businesses: Fudge’s Flowers and Gifts, The Printer’s Box, Hy-Vee Drug and Henkel and Associates; in Churdan, the library.
Shopping Guides are also being mailed to annual donors.
Anyone wishing to receive a shopping guide should contact Darla Johnson at 515-386-3551.
Last year, Beta Tau Delta-supported projects included Webb House utility bills, a trip to the Blank Park Zoo for Greene County and Paton-Churdan second graders, four $500 college scholarships for Greene County High School graduates, dental screenings and follow-up dental work for local students and more.
According to Dozier, all donations are welcome. This is the sorority’s annual fundraiser.
All donations are tax-deductible.
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