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Story by Audrey Watkins, Photos By Dero Sanford

When Junior Auxiliary of Jonesboro presents Charity Ball 2008 on Feb. 16, its goal will be to continue its longstanding tradition of improving the lives of Craighead County children by developing and implementing programs that instill self-esteem and challenge young minds. Proceeds from Charity Ball, the organization’s annual dinner and auction, make it all possible.

“Bringing Light and Hope to the Children,” the theme for this year’s gala, reflects the many volunteer hours that Junior Auxiliary members contribute each year through its service projects. Members will divide their time between 13 service projects during the 2007-08 year ranging from its Consolidated Youth Services committee, a project designed to assist preteen and teenage girls residing at the CYS facility in making positive changes in their lives, to Share and Wear, which provides gently used clothing for school-aged children in Craighead County.

Junior Auxiliary currently has 69 active members and 25 provisional members. During the previous year, active members logged 3,426 volunteer hours through its service projects alone, according to JA President Kimberly Minton. The number excludes hours directed toward education, administration and finance.

“Junior Auxiliary invests countless man hours into making Charity Ball an amazing event because our 13 service projects are funded for the entire year with the money raised from this event,” Minton said. “Proceeds from this one event provide much needed funding for food, clothing, scholarships, educational opportunities, as well as one-on-one mentoring and tutoring for children in our community. Our purpose is to reach out and make a difference in the life of a child. It is because of the extraordinary support of our community that we are able to reach these goals.”

Minton said she is constantly amazed to see the compassion, generosity and work ethic of the members who serve the community through JA’s projects.
“These women are truly amazing and are sincere in their efforts of wanting to help those in need,” she said. “Their sincerity and love for children has made my experience as president one that I will cherish forever. I am grateful to have been a very small part of the goals and accomplishments of this organization and the extraordinary women who are led to serve.”

Organizing this year’s event is 2008 Charity Ball Chairman Missy McKee, assisted by a dedicated team of committee chairmen and co-chairmen responsible for everything from invitations to entertainment.

A native of Brandon, Miss., McKee met her husband, Dr. Jack McKee, at Mississippi State University. When a job opportunity presented itself at Cardiology Associates in Jonesboro, Jack’s hometown, the couple decided Jonesboro would be a great place to raise a family and relocated from Little Rock. The family, which includes son Davis, 10, and daughter, Maddie, 6, has resided in Jonesboro for more than six years.

Occasions recently visited with McKee to learn more about plans for Junior Auxiliary’s upcoming Charity Ball and her work with the non-profit organization during the past four years.

OCCASIONS: When did you begin the planning process for this year’s Charity Ball?

MM: We began planning for Charity Ball over a year ago. Before last year’s Charity Ball was over, we had already determined who would be our committee chairmen for this year’s event. We spent many months planning and brainstorming ideas to make the 2008 Charity Ball even bigger and better than before.

OCCASIONS: How many volunteer hours would you estimate go into this event each year?

MM: Every member of Junior Auxiliary has a role in Charity Ball. It takes our entire membership working together to make Charity Ball a reality. This year we have volunteered over 2,500 hours on our various Charity Ball committees. I am so proud to be part of an organization with such hard-working, dedicated members. I am especially proud of the talented and driven committee chairmen who have spent countless hours working to ensure that our event is successful. The leaders of the 2008 Charity Ball are: Johnna Dobbs, event co-chair; Holly Acebo and Shawna Starnes, corporate donations; Mary Kay Jones, live auction; Erika Brodell and Susan Throesch, silent auction; Aimee Spencer and Selena Barber, invitations/brochures/publicity; Michelle Long, decorations; Amanda McDaniel, multimedia/photography; Stacey Orr, food and beverage; Kristy Reed, freezer of food; Rita Degges, special parties; and Audrey Watkins, cookbook.

OCCASIONS: What are some things that will be unique about this year’s event?

MM: Charity Ball is always a beautiful evening featuring good food and great entertainment. This year, our dinner menu will feature items selected from our new cookbook, “Rendezvous on the Ridge.” In addition, one lucky guest will win a freezer stocked with casseroles and other dishes all made from recipes in our cookbook. Entertainment will be provided by “The Soul Shockers” of Memphis. Thanks to the generosity of our community and local businesses, our silent auction items are second to none. There will be something for everyone, and this year we will have a paperless checkout system making it faster and easier than ever for our guests.

OCCASIONS: What are some of the new items planned for this year’s live auction?

MM: This year’s live auction will include some of the best items we have ever had to offer at Charity Ball. We have a one-week, family vacation to Mexico’s Riviera Maya and a trip for two for four nights to Napa Valley. Other new and exciting items are a Room Makeover by Swank, Dazzling Smiles from Burris Orthodontics, a Mosquito Misting System, Dallas Cowboy tickets, and a four-couple culinary adventure. The live auction will also feature an original painting from Sara Howell titled “Light and Hope for Children.”

OCCASIONS: As a member of JA, you volunteer to work 45 hours in different service projects each year but you have discovered a passion for working with the adults at The Learning Center. What makes those visits so meaningful to you?

MM: I have been volunteering at TLC for three years now.Serving on this project has been more rewarding to me than any other volunteer work I have ever done. I love spending time with the adults at TLC. Whether we are bowling, shopping, playing games at our Fall Festival, going to the fair or dancing on Valentine’s Day, I always have a great time. When I started volunteering I thought I might make a difference in someone’s life. The truth is – the adults at TLC have made a difference in mine.

OCCASIONS: Before moving to Jonesboro, you were a member of Little Rock’s Junior League. What made you decide to join Junior Auxiliary of Jonesboro after volunteering with Junior League of Little Rock?

MM: I volunteer because I want to be of service to others. I decided to join Junior Auxiliary when we moved here because I thought I could share what I learned from Junior League of Little Rock to benefit this organization and our community. What both organizations have done for me is provide me the structure I need to get out and do something good for others in the community. The unique thing about Junior Auxiliary is not only do we raise money to fund our efforts, but each one of us is out working hands-on with the children throughout the year. Our service projects are the heart of this organization, and for every dollar we raise at Charity Ball, we are investing in these meaningful projects that benefit the children of our community.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The 37th annual Charity Ball will be held Saturday, Feb. 16, at the Holiday Inn Holidome. Tickets are $175 per couple and $100 for individuals. A table of 10 may be purchased for $875. To reserve tickets, call Angie Fegtly at 972-9493. Social hour begins at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. and dancing until midnight. Black tie is optional.