March 18, 2004

A $40,000 Snow Ball

Funds raised at annual event will help provide affordable counseling services

By Kymberli W. Brady

Staff Writer

As the sun set on a beautiful spring day, the mild evening that followed brought out the stars, and with it men clad in tuxedos and women in elegant ball gowns. It was a night of mingling and good cheer filled with philanthropic offerings amidst cocktails, dinner and dancing.

Approximately 140 people gathered at the Almaden Country Club on Saturday night for Passport to Style , the theme for the 20th annual Snow Ball, hosted by the Almaden Valley Counseling Service Auxiliary, with Master of Ceremonies and TV personality Roy Avila of Channel 36. The gala dinner-dance was the culmination of the auxiliary's annual fund-raiser. Proceeds from tickets, live and silent auctions, raffles, and sponsors help to further enable Almaden Valley Counseling Service to provide affordable counseling to area schools, families, seniors and individuals

Annette Reavis returned for a second year to direct the fashion show, featuring auxiliary member children, who modeled clothes and accessories from Westfield Shoppingtown Oakridge and Eli Thomas Formalwear.

“There's magic in having kids in the show,” said Almaden Valley Counseling Service Director Rockie Kramer. “It makes it worthwhile for the parents. There's so much competition for events like this and having kids involved helps fill the room. I thought the event was fabulous.”

Fund-raising Committee Chair Beth Proudfoot remained cautiously enthusiastic about the efforts. “Funding is just drying up all over the place,” she said. “This will mean the difference between them worrying every second if they are going to be able to survive and knowing that they're going to be able to continue.”

“The Snow Ball would not happen without the efforts of many,” admitted Gwen Hacker, president of the board of directors. “The board thanks the auxiliary, the chairs, the many generous sponsors and donors, and the youth that have participated in these three events… you've made the community stronger and improved the lives of others.”

Although the totals aren't yet in, at least $40,000 has been raised at the three Snow Ball events, which also included a tea and luncheon on Friday. According to Amy McCafferty, this year's event has raised the total amount collected since the auxiliary's inception in 1994 to upwards of $300,000.

“Everything went beautifully,” she exclaimed. “The show was fantastic and all our guests really enjoyed themselves. It was a great event that encouraged community involvement. and we had a lot of supporters attending.”