After three postponements, vendor changes and a lot of hand wringing, the sold-out 34th Hill Country Charity Ball is ready to go.
The coronavirus pandemic has wrought havoc upon the annual event, which raises money for Kerr County-area nonprofit groups. Still, on July 31, the black-tie and gown ball will proceed at the Hill Country Youth Event Center.
If all goes according to plan, the ball will celebrate its most generous year yet with the Hill Country Youth Ranch as a benefactor, said Allison Bueche, president of the nonprofit's board of directors.
"It has all come back together beautifully," Bueche said of the ball's challenges to overcome postponements and changes in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. "I think people are excited about coming back."
They're excited, judging by the numbers. The ball sold a record 615 seats and had a record number of sponsors for the 2021 ball. After paying the bills, Bueche said the ball could produce a $100,000 donation for the first time.
The money will go toward renovating Hill Country Youth Ranch's Harley Beck Community Center.
"It's just aged at this point and in pretty desperate need of repairs," Bueche said of the Youth Ranch facility. "So, we're going to help repair it."
This year's ball theme is around Carnival in Brazil. So, there will be plenty of Samba dancing and music.
Since 1986, the ball has donated nearly $1.6 million to 33 nonprofits and charities. Those donations have ranged from projects at Peterson Regional Medical Center to youth soccer.
Bueche said the starts and stops have been frustrating, including the loss of vendors. However, she said there has been renewed focus on the part of the ball's members to put on a memorable night.
 |
