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About the Cinderella
Charity Ball...
Saturday April 19, 2008
The Cinderella
Charity Ball is the oldest continuing social event and
charitable benefit in Arlington. The Cinderella Ball concept
grew out of a need for the Board of Directors of the Arlington
Boys Club (later known as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Arlington)
to secure financing for the remainder of the fiscal year in
1961. The Boys Club was at that time a small, sports-centered
guidance organization for middle and low-income boys.
Outstanding female high school students would solicit donations
and sell tickets to a black-tie affair, where they would be
presented to the community and recognized for their
achievements. The winner would be crowned “Miss Cinderella” and
represent the Boys Club as a sort of goodwill ambassador the
next year. The first Cinderella Ball, chaired by Mrs. Elmo
White, was produced by a committee of volunteers, several of
whom were the wives of current board members. Six young ladies,
all students at Arlington High school, were selected for the
first Cinderella Court. The affair was an immediate financial
success, demonstrating the potential to become a major social
event for a rapidly growing Arlington community. The Board of
Directors quickly voted to make the Ball an annual affair.
In 1967, the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Arlington Boys Club was
formed. Under the leadership of Mrs. Adolph Reinhardt, the
Auxiliary used the foundation laid by previous Cinderella Ball
committee members to establish a structure for producing a major
annual fundraiser for the Boys Club, as well as other support
tasks for the Board of Directors. The Cinderella candidates and
Ladies’ Auxiliary work hard each year to ensure a successful
event. This unique partnership of dedicated volunteers and a
supportive community is now 47 years old.
Thank you for your support!
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