Newy Scruggs 'excited' about going to the ball

NBC5 sports anchor to emcee the Boys and Girls Clubs of Collin County 2007 Chrysalis Ball for second consecutive year

October 22, 2007 – Guests of the 2007 Chrysalis Ball: A Celebration of Heroes benefiting the Boys and Girls Clubs of Collin County will celebrate the evening’s festivities with a friendly – and familiar – face. NBC5 sports anchor, Newy Scruggs, will serve as emcee, a position he also held for the organization’s 2006 gala.

So, what's got Mr. Scruggs excited about holding the same responsibility again this year?

"The good that is being done by the people running the Boys and Girls Clubs of Collin County," he said. "I had a tremendous time last year and know that this year will be even bigger and better. Plus, my wife loves the Pointer Sisters."

The 2007 Chrysalis Ball will take place on Saturday, November 3, at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Frisco. The theme for the evening is A Celebration of Heroes, illustrating the importance of providing positive influences to children, helping them reject negative pressures in their lives to grow into responsible, productive citizens.

"Kids learn a lot from adults by watching," Scruggs said. "I see it in my own two kids. The better atmosphere and people you get them around, the better chance they have to become successful."

"We are thrilled to have Newy back as our emcee for the 2007 Chrysalis Ball," Christina Alford, BGCCC chief executive officer, said. "He was so entertaining last year and played a huge role in the success of the 2006 gala."

The annual Chrysalis Ball is the BGCCC's largest fundraising event each year. Since 2003, $803,000 has been raised from the black-tie gala as it continues to grow in size and popularity with both private and corporate donors. A fundraising goal of $500,000 has been set and an estimated 1,000 guests are slated to be in attendance.

"The annual BGCCC Chrysalis Ball is crucial in allowing us to continue supporting the children in Collin County that need us most," Alford said. "Our goal for raising $500,000 on November 3 will allow us to provide life-changing programs and services to the 3,800 children we currently serve, as well as enable us to move many children off our waiting list and into our branches as soon as possible."

To achieve the $500,000 goal, luxurious live and silent auctions will be held throughout the evening along with other various fundraising projects.

Highly anticipated items up for bid in the luxury live auction include a seven-day catamaran cruise to the buyer's choice of top Caribbean destinations including the British Virgin Islands, the Bahamas, St. Maarten or the Grenadines (donated by Paula and John Leikert); a Sundance Film Festival and Ski package for two including airfare, luxurious accommodations at The Hotel Park City, 12 film tickets, and 4-day ski passes to the Deer Valley Ski Resort (donated by anonymous donors and Southwest Airlines); "Lovely Journey," a royally bred 7-year old Champion Arabian Mare and two breedings with Nation Champion Stallions. This is a three-in-one package as the winning bidder will own the mare and both foals (donated by Hoffman International Properties); and many more incredible packages donated by generous private and corporate donors throughout the community.

Also available are just over 200 silent auction items with many included in the luxurious silent auction category. Guests have the opportunity to sponsor scholarships for one child to attend a branch for one year, a $350 investment.

The evening will conclude with special entertainment provided by the Pointer Sisters.

“I’m so excited. And, I just can’t hide it,” Scruggs added, “Yes, I’m looking forward to the Pointer Sisters, but I am also excited about the tremendous live and silent auctions, and just hanging out with incredible folks again.”