Jingle Bell Ball Raises funds for the Shelter for Battered Women
Center Stage at NoDa hosted the 14th annual Jingle Bell Ball, a festive holiday event that helps to raise money for Mecklenburg County’s only Shelter for Battered Women.
“The funding will help us continue to provide emergency housing and support for women and children experiencing domestic violence in their lives,” said United Family Services CEO/President Mark Pierman. “We have had an increasing number of victims using the shelter and our other services, which has heightened the need for funding.”
This year, the shelter has served close to 600 women and children, said Shelter Coordinator Jane Taylor.
Jude Harding, an event organizer, said she was pleased with the turnout at the fundraiser because it drew a large crowd to financially support the shelter.
“I think that in this tough economy, we were still able to raise thousands of dollars,” Harding said. “By attending the Jingle Bell Ball, people are, in essence, helping others (and) victims that they will probably never meet.”
It will take a few weeks to determine the total amount of money raised from the event.
Harding credits the devoted team of volunteers and Jingle Bell Ball Chairwoman Portia Bellamy for organizing the important fundraiser.
“This event could not take place without her stepping up to the plate to be the chairwoman,” Harding said. “Many kudos should go to her and her staff of volunteers.”
The Jingle Bell Ball was established by the Single Adult Ministry class at Myers Park United Methodist Church. The annual holiday event began as a small party but eventually grew into a larger extravaganza where formally dressed attendees enjoy live music, dancing, and both a silent and live auction.
United Family Services COO Sharon Thacker greets guests at the 2008 Jingle Bell Ball at Center Stage at NoDa.
The United Family Services team welcomes guests to the 2008 Jingle Bell Ball at Center Stage at NoDa.
United
Family Services Chief Development Officer Libby McLaughlin and Jingle
Bell Ball Chair Portia Bellamy mingle with attendees at the 2008 Jingle
Bell Ball in NoDa.
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Hard at work, the United Family Service team takes a quick break to pose for a photo at the 2008 Jingle Bell Ball at Center Stage in NoDa.
(Left to Right): Auction participants Dave and Julie Lopett and Ernest Perry of Perry’s at SouthPark set up a booth at the 2008 Jingle Bell Ball.
The Hardings smile for the cameras at the 2008 Jingle Bell Ball in NoDa on Dec. 12.
United Family Services CEO/President Mark Pierman and Mrs. Jude Harding mingle with friends at the 2008 Jingle Bell Ball.
Friends enjoy food, wine, and live music at the 2008 Jingle Bell Ball at Center Stage at NoDa.
Attendees hit the dance floor and perform the electric slide at the 2008 Jingle Bell Ball in NoDa.
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