Star Children's Charity’s biggest and brightest event of the year, The Star Winter Ball, was truly a night for the stars. With the help of presenting sponsor, Brennan Financial Services and special entertainers, The Temptations, Star raised funds for seven Collin County children’s charities November 15, 2008 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Frisco.
“With over 700 people in attendance, Star Children's Charity truly has risen to the top as a major fundraising organization within Collin County,” said Dave Brennan. “The attendees at Star's inaugural Winter Ball demonstrated their willingness to continue to help children even during difficult economic times.” The beautiful Ice Princess, portrayed by Jan Strimple, welcomed guests to the magical winter wonderland complete with giant live toy soldiers and snowflake ballerinas, who all made the evening spectacular. The grand ballroom was transformed by Rusty Glenn Designs with winter scenery for the stage, snowy draped walls and 6 foot centerpieces set with magnificent white flowers and crystal branches.
“It is an evening we won’t soon forget. Star members can be proud that their hard work not only helped produce a 5 star event but will also help improve the lives of the many children that Star funding will reach this year,” says Star co-founder and Winter Ball chair, Michelle Brennan Hall.
Masters of Ceremony WFAA's Emmy award winning, Chief Meteorologist Pete Delkus and Weekend Night Anchor Shelly Slater guided guests through the evening and introduced a touching video titled “The Gift” in which each of the seven beneficiaries expressed the impact Star is making on their organization. A handful of the 20,000 children Star will reach this year said “Thank you Star” at the emotional closing of the video. Attendees were then given the opportunity to pledge $500 to one or all of the seven agencies.
“Collin County has embraced the Star initiative for children and this evening is overwhelming evidence of that fact.” Says Star co-founder and Winter Ball chair, Linda Paulk.
Star’s Winter Ball introduced Star Luxury Prizes to Collin County this year. Fifteen winners went home with a variety of fabulous prizes: a Lynx Pass Steamboat, Colorado getaway, a mink throw and an exclusive Lagos Jewelry package to name a few. Carol and Skipp Schauer were the lucky winners of the $300 ticket prize item - exquisite $15,000 Bachendorf’s diamond hoop earrings.
The Ball’s silent auction, included a special category of Designer Trees decorated by top area designers, Gary Riggs and Kimberly Schlegel Whitman’s RSVP Social Calendar to name a few, was a huge success. Paddles were raised throughout the room during the evening’s extravagant Live Auction featuring a luxurious vacation to Ireland, a private meet and greet with Chase Crawford on the Gossip Girls set in New York, and an awesome stay-cation at the fabulous Mansion on Turtle Creek featuring dinner with John Tesar.
All proceeds from this event benefited Star's 2008 Collin County beneficiaries, which include: Boys and Girls Club of Collin County, CITY House, Children's Medical Center Legacy, Crossroads Family Services, Plano Children's Medical Clinic, Presbyterian Hospital of Plano and Samaritan Inn.