Leave it to those creative folks in the Arlington Arts League to bring new life to a vintage party theme by cleverly naming the annual spring soiree March 2 “MarTi Gras.”
People love to get all dressed up for this popular night on the town (it’s optional black-tie) that benefits all the great programs of the arts league. It’s one of my personal favorites because the party is unfailingly fun and festive with great shopping at the auction and wonderful big-band-style music.The venue — Cacharel Ballroom — means guests will dine on an exquisite meal prepared the talented Cacharel chef. For dessert: sundried cherry bread pudding served with a bourbon cream anglaise. Any questions?No wonder the gala is always successful with people like league President Mark Williams, Delores Pell, Elaine Strain, Danna Moore-Barry, Art Dingee, Nancy Tice, Catherine Brown and Judy Muir in charge.Up for grabs in a raffle are three fabulous prizes: pottery created by Arlington school district art coordinator Linh Nguyen, a diverse selection of 75 bottles of wine and a seven-night stay at Marriott’s Palm Desert Resort in California.An extensive silent auction will offer artwork from local artists, sports memorabilia, a suite at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington and lots of other appealing gifts and services.The live music by The Buzz Murphy Orchestra featuring the vocals of Breggett Rideau gets the highest ratings from audiences for great entertainment.“We have an exciting evening planned for our guests, so come and join us as we put the art in MARTi Gras and raise money for art scholarships, the art docent and ArtReach programs,” said Williams.Tickets are $75. Make reservations at 817-274-5790 or email artsleague@arlingtonartsleague.com. Learn more at www.arlingtonartsleague.com.Cinderella storyWatch your mailbox this week for communication from this year’s candidates for the title of Miss Cinderella. The well-known program benefits the Boys & Girls Clubs of Arlington. Last year it served more than 8,000 disadvantaged youths.The Ladies’ Auxiliary to the Boys & Girls Clubs, which produces the ball, announced 20 candidates whose six-week fundraising campaign begins this week. The young lady raising the most money wins the title.The Cinderella Charity Ball is Arlington’s oldest continuing social and charitable event and each year is attended by more than 1,000 people.Congratulations and kudos to these industrious students for accepting this challenging but rewarding assignment.The girls from Martin High School are: Hannah Baumgartner, Hayley Boylan, Sydney Cerza, Emily Eichenauer, Erin Hibbs and Susannah Metzger.Candidates who attend Arlington High School are: Madison Darden, Kendall Grasty, Hannah Hullender, Caitlin McClintock, Kristen Pirkey and McKynzie Zick.Hoping to win the crown from Lamar High School are: Andee Gentry, Baylee Mozjesik, Nicole Price and Kylie Wade.Four candidates come from two private schools : Libby Coomer and Christine Smith from Nolan Catholic High School and Kennedy Franklin and Kyndall Hunt from The Oakridge School.Candidates will be presented in a lovely formal ceremony March 30 in the Grand Ballroom at the Arlington Convention Center. Three runners-up will be revealed and the winner crowned by reigning Miss Cinderella Chandler Jordan.The candidates are hard at work, having attended sales and financial seminars; a crash course on the Boys & Girls Clubs programs and initiatives; socials; luncheons; and portrait sessions. Soon they will hit the speaking circuit to talk to clubs and civic groups to ask for their support.Chairing the ball are auxiliary members Cristy Duke and Andrea Proctor.“The Ladies’ Auxiliary is so pleased with the enthusiasm of our 20 candidates this year, and we hope the community will continue their generous support by buying tickets to the ball or by contributing to the campaigns of these young women so that needed funds can be raised for the Boys & Girls Clubs,” Proctor said.Go online to www.cinderellacharityball.com for details on how to make a donation or a reservation for the ball. To inquire, call Duke at 817-366-6181.Doing goodArlington Urban Ministries wants to recognize young people who have excelled at community service or “assumed extraordinary roles in the life of their families” by honoring them at its annual dinner and auction April 7.A letter sent to school administrators and churches said: “AUM encourages high school juniors and seniors who routinely donate their time and talents for the betterment of the citizens of Arlington to complete the volunteer application.” Eleventh- and 12th-graders who attend a school in Arlington are invited to apply.The agency provides emergency financial assistance for rent and utilities through donations, money raised at the annual dinner and revenue from the Nu2U Resale Store.“We're very excited about the Doing Good in the Neighborhood Award and the opportunity to recognize the often unnoticed volunteer efforts of Arlington’s youths,” said Joan Church, executive director.Encourage the student volunteers you know to apply for the award. It’s important to celebrate the importance of youth volunteerism within our community.Get information and the application at www.arlingtonurbanministries.org or call Church at 817-861-8585.The deadline for applications is Feb. 28.CorrectionThe cardboard boat regatta is set for April 27 at Six Flags Hurricane Harbor. Last week’s column gave an incorrect date.Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
