By LEE WARD / THE INDEPENDENT
ASHLAND — It’s been nine years since Carol Jean Cieraszynski started the Jingle Bell Charity Ball and the event continues to flourish.
The semi-formal event will be from 7 to 11 p.m. Dec. 11 at El Hasa Shrine on U.S. 60. Last year, the ball drew 350 to 400, Cieraszynski said, with donations at about $25,000.
“It was wonderful,” Cieraszynski said of the ball. “It was icy and raining and they were telling everyone to stay home but they didn’t.”
This year will be a challenge.
As of the first week in November, she said 800 families had signed up through CAReS to receive holiday assistance.
“If you figure three children per family, that’s 2,400 children,” she said. “This year with the way the need is, we’re hoping people are feeling as generous as they can be,” she said.
Those attending are asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy or article of clothing as admission. Those who are sitting at a purchased table also are required to bring a new, unwrapped toy or article of clothing as admission. Gifts collected will be distributed through CAReS.
In addition, the charity will be part of the Giving Tree, a program to aid needy children through the holidays. The tree will bear the names of children and their sizes and wishes; individuals or organizations may take a name from the tree and purchase Christmas gifts for that child.
Cieraszynski began the ball as a positive way to cope with the loss of her son to a heart aneursym in 1997. “The Jingle Bell Ball is a way to honor the memory of my son and what was important to him,” she said.
Her son, Curtis Nusbaum, made a living working with children. After attending a charity event that impressed him, Nusbaum told his mother about it. Cieraszynski thought it sounded like an event that could be done in the Tri-State and one that would be a great help to CAReS.
The ball is a formal dance; a meal of finger food and desserts, catered by Haute Cuisine of Greenup, will be served and there will be a drawing for cash prizes — a first-place prize of $500, second place of $250 and three $100 prizes. Catlettsburg native Stephen Salyers will provide entertainment. Master of Ceremonies will be WSAZ anchor Tim Irr.
Last year, the ball raised between $20,000 and $25,000, counting money, toys and in-kind gifts. About 400 attended the ball.
Those who will not attend the ball but would like to donate may drop off unwrapped gifts at the ReMax office, 1627 Greenup Ave., Ashland, during business hours.
Donations are distributed in the community through the CAReS organization.
The Jingle Bell Charity Ball will be from 7 to 11 p.m. Dec. 11 at El Hasa Shrine on U.S. 60. To purchase a table, to make a donation, to request an invitation or for more information about the ball, call (606) 325-0407 or (606) 922-8300. An invitation is not required to attend but everyone is asked to bring an unwrapped toy or article of child’s clothing for admission.
LEE WARD can be reached at lward@dailyindependent.com or (606) 326-2661.
