A multi-decade tradition in Columbus is one of the latest to be derailed by the COVID-19 global pandemic. The 2020 Junior Auxiliary of Columbus Charity Ball has officially been canceled. What would have been the 70th annual ball was originally scheduled for March 28, only to be rescheduled to June 27 when the novel coronavirus began curtailing large gatherings this past spring. With ongoing concern for communal health in mind, however, the nonprofit organization has made the difficult decision to cancel the event altogether. The ball highlights the chapter’s service work with Lowndes County children. It also presents the charity ball king and queen, recognized for community service, and their court of high school seniors to the public. The gathering typically fills Trotter Convention Center downtown to capacity.
“It was an extremely hard decision to cancel because this is our sole fundraiser for the year, along with our Report to the Community,” said 2020 Charity Ball Chair Sally Earwood. “As devastating as canceling the event was, we would never put the interest of our organization over the welfare of our community. As a volunteer service group, we would never risk putting anyone in harm’s way.”
The ball and Report to the Community, a printed section distributed annually through The Dispatch, support 10 service projects for children in Lowndes County throughout the year.
“It’s not only our one chance to raise funds but to let everybody know the programs we’ve conducted and what their donations and sponsorships have made possible,” Earwood said.
Yearly JA projects target goals from meeting basic needs for clothing and food, to instilling the importance of being kind and understanding, all to benefit youth in Lowndes County. That’s been the chapter’s mission for more than 75 years.
“Our vision remains the same. We want to raise money and awareness throughout the community to help kids, because ultimately they’re the ones that probably need help now more than ever,” said Earwood. “We are so grateful for the corporate sponsors, donors and patrons. They are the reason we are able to continue our projects.”
Current Chapter President Carrie Martin said, “The celebration was canceled, but our services to children pre-K through seniors continue. JA of Columbus is still providing for needs of the children of Lowndes County and will continue to do so.
“We will come back stronger than ever with our services and celebrate our royalty, the court, our community and our stakeholders through our Charity Ball 2021.”
For any more information, email [email protected].
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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