20 Feb 2017 Searcy JA plans ball Feb. 25

Junior Auxiliary of Searcy will host its annual Charity Ball fundraiser at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at The Searcy Country Club. The theme of this year’s event is “A Night at the Races.” The event will feature a silent and live auction by Cargile Auctions and entertainment by Mayday by Midnight. There will also be a special presentation to honor the past presidents of Junior Auxiliary of Searcy.

Denice and Les Eaves will be honored as the 2017 Charity Ball Queen and King. Denice was an integral part of making the Distinguished Young Woman’s Scholarship program a success. She was a past member of the Main Street Searcy board, and the Wise Coalition board. Her husband, Les, is serving as Arkansas State Representative for District 46. He serves on the board of directors for the National Association of Trailer Manufacturers, and was a member of the White River Planning Commission.

“We are so excited that the 2017 Charity Ball is almost here! Our annual Charity Ball is the lifeline that keeps our service projects going,” said Alicia Hamner, Junior Auxiliary of Searcy President. “Without the businesses and individuals who donate their time, money and items to our organization, we would not be able to give back to our community and support the children of White County. We are so thankful for the support we receive year after year that makes our Charity Ball successful.”

The Searcy Arkansas chapter of Junior Auxiliary began in 1959 and was chartered in 1962 with a few ladies who wanted to make a small difference in the community. They have exceeded more than their expectations. Fifty-seven years later, Junior Auxiliary of Searcy is still serving its community and continuing to make a difference in many lives.

“Charity Ball is our biggest and only fundraiser of the year. It helps keep our causes going and funds all of our projects year round. It is just a small piece of the bigger picture,” said Megan Matteri, Charity Ball chair. “Each year the members of Junior Auxiliary of Searcy provide coats, underwear and school supplies to children in need through Covering Kids. We help to provide a warm meal for Thanksgiving with our food drive, which involves our local schools. We give Christmas to some that would not be able to provide for their families, with our project called Angel Tree.

“The Sunshine school is the heart and soul of our organization. The ladies that chartered Junior Auxiliary of Searcy, opened this school. In the beginning, Sunshine School was a place the children could go for a few hours a week and eventually it became a full time place for them to attend. We love to be able to help the school and its teachers.”

Other Junior Auxiliary of Searcy projects include A Day of Caring and Searcy Learning Center.

Tickets to Charity Ball are $65 for an individual and $120 for a couple. They can be purchased from any Junior Auxiliary of Searcy member, by calling 501.254.9181 or on Eventbrite.com. Dress for the event is derby attire.

To find out more about Junior Auxiliary of Searcy and the many projects they support throughout the year, visit facebook.com/JAofSearcy.