![BETA snowglobe[3]](https://greenecountynewsonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/BETA-snowglobe3.jpg)
If you’ve been humming “let it snow, let it snow, let it snow,” you are ready for this year’s virtual Beta Tau Delta Charity Ball. For more than 75 years, the Christmas holiday season in Greene County was kicked off with Beta Tau Delta’s annual charity ball, complete with a theme, elaborate decorations, an orchestra, and refreshments.
Seven years ago, the children’s charity sorority, citing high costs, reinvented the charity ball to generate the most money possible for its projects and programs to benefit the area’s youth. Instead of selling tickets to a live event, the sorority devised a unique way to seek donations without spending money for a live band, facility rent, refreshments or decorations.
It became a virtual charity ball, a fun way to support the sorority. So each year, Greene County residents are asked to participate in the virtual fundraiser by choosing from a Shopping Guide items to buy for special themed decorations, entertainment and refreshments. “The virtual ball has been highly successful because residents don’t have to leave their easy chairs at home to have some fun and support the many programs funded by Beta Tau Delta,” said event organizer Carole Custer.
Current president Cassie Dozier announced that this year’s virtual ball is themed “Let It Snow” with decorations, food and entertainment. A Shopping Guide suggests ways a person can participate, all from the comfort of home. A person can “purchase” snow globes for table centerpieces, a snowman –shaped Christmas tree, snowflake ceiling ornaments, a snow globe photo booth, Dairy Queen Blizzards, a “snow drift” mashed potato bar, and entertainment by Michael Buble and the Oak Ridge Boys, all who have recorded the popular “Let It Snow” song. And, Dozier explained, “What you would normally spend to go to a glitzy live Charity Ball, like a new dress, new tie, pedicure or hairstyle can now be donated to directly help with programs for area youth.”
Shopping Guides and envelopes are available at the following downtown Jefferson businesses –Fudge’s Flowers and Gifts, Printer’s Box, Hy-Vee Drug, and Henkel and Associates; and in Churdan, the library. Shopping Guides are also being mailed to annual donors. Anyone wishing to receive a shopping guide to join in the fun can contact Darla Johnson at 515-386-3551.
Last year’s Beta Tau Delta-supported projects included: Webb House utility bills, a trip to the Blank Park Zoo for Greene County and Paton-Churdan second graders, four $500 college scholarships for Greene County High School graduates, dental screenings and follow-up dental work for Greene County students, tuxedo rentals for students attending the Greene County High School prom, swaddling blankets for newborns at Greene County Medical Center, and Greene County High School music department expenses.
Dozier said all donations are welcomed, even if some people may not wish to play along with the Virtual Ball. This is the sorority’s annual fundraiser and checks should be made out to Beta Tau Delta, and mailed to the sorority in care of treasurer Anita Van Horn, 102 E. State Street, Jefferson, IA 50129. All donations are tax-deductible.
