The Hill Country Charity Ball, one of Kerr County’s premier fundraising events, will move to a new location and date in 2025 as organizers aim to optimize the annual gala that has raised more than $2.1 million for local nonprofits since 1986.

The ball will take place April 11 at Sendera Springs, marking a departure from its seven-year run at the Hill Country Youth Event Center. Co-presidents Jessice Lenard and La’Cee Paxton announced the changes as they work to avoid scheduling conflicts with graduation weekend that have affected attendance in recent years.

“We’re shaking things up,” said the new leadership team, who plan to create what they describe as an “indoor outdoor event, dancing under the stars” with a western glam theme.

Sendera Springs, a wedding venue in the Hill Country, will provide a different atmosphere for the charity gala, though it will accommodate fewer attendees than previous locations. Organizers said data from recent years showed empty tables even when events were technically sold out, making the smaller venue a strategic choice to maximize fundraising efficiency.

The event’s theme, dubbed “western chic” or “Rhinestone cowboy,” draws inspiration from the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas. Organizers encourage attendees to think “all the glitz” with fancy dresses paired with boots, hats, bolo ties and turquoise jewelry.

Hannah, who works at Sendera Springs and serves on the Charity Ball’s board, has assisted with the venue transition. The location change continues the event’s history of moving between venues, including previous years at the Museum of Western Art and other Hill Country locations.

Rain contingency plans include tent options for outdoor dancing, and organizers said security will be enhanced for this year’s event.

The Charity Ball has consistently raised more than $100,000 annually for local nonprofits. This year, organizers are considering supporting multiple smaller organizations with grants ranging from $30,000 to $40,000, broadening the impact beyond the traditional single large recipient.

Grant applications for nonprofit organizations have been extended until Aug. 20, with postmark deadline required. Carmen Deville, vice president of grants, serves as the liaison for organizations seeking application assistance. Nonprofits can contact info.hccb@gmail.com for questions or to signal their intent to apply.

The Hill Country Charity Ball Association was founded in honor of Charles Bowmer Schreiner V, who died of a congenital heart disorder in 1981 at 11 months old. The annual gala continues his family’s legacy of community service.

Organizations interested in learning more about sponsorship opportunities or the application process can visit hillcountrycharityball.com or contact the grants committee directly.