Record-Breaking evening for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Collin County

2007 Chrysalis Ball raises record $933,000 for club programs and services

November 8, 2006 –-The annual Chrysalis Ball benefiting the Boys and Girls Clubs of Collin County (BGCCC) was held Saturday evening, November 3, in the Grand Ballroom at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Frisco. The annual, black-tie gala set new records for the non-profit organization by welcoming 1,000 guests and raising $933,000 for BGCCC programs and services for its five branches located across Frisco, McKinney and Plano.

"The 2007 Chrysalis Ball surpassed all expectations and became even more successful than we planned," Christina Alford, BGCCC chief executive officer, said. "The entire evening was full of excitement and determination from all our guests to make sure we raised as much money as possible to help the children of Collin County."

NBC5 sports anchor Newy Scruggs, Master of Ceremonies for the event, welcomed guests by articulately stating the purpose for the evening.

"Tonight is a very special night and we are all here for the most important reason – to support children-in-need in Collin County. We are all here to raise money to make sure the Boys and Girls Clubs of Collin County continue to expand their reach in our communities and to continue to provide life-saving programs to our community’s children who need us most."

2007 Chrysalis Ball chair Cheryl Massey graciously acknowledged gala committee members before welcoming representatives from Dallas-Fort Worth Lexus Dealers, the event’s title sponsor/underwriter, to the stage.

"Lexus’ dedication to our children has made it possible for us to exceed our expectations in raising money for this year's event," Massey said.

"We are honored to be a part of this year's Chrysalis Ball and to partner with an organization that so positively affects the lives of children in Collin County," Gary Venner, Park Place Lexus representative, said.

"We would also like to thank all of you for attending this evening and pledging your support to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Collin County," Stephen Tolerico, Sewell Lexus representative, said. "The Chrysalis Ball would not be possible without your generosity and community involvement."

Other important announcements for the evening included a $150,000 live and silent auction dollar-for-dollar match from Wellstone Communities developer John B. Lowery. Lowery, himself, is a former member of the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.

In appreciation for this gift, the organization will name its newly formed alumni association the John B. Lowery Boys and Girls Clubs of Collin County Alumni Association.

Although the BGCCC provides affordable after-school and summer programs available to all Collin County children, some families still need the help of scholarships. For this reason, the Sponsor a Child campaign was developed

The JCPenney Afterschool Fund graciously donated the first $55,800 for the campaign and encouraged other guests to sponsor a child as well. As a result, $130,800 of the total revenue raised was designated for these scholarships, another BGCCC record.

"The excitement throughout the evening escalated from one event to the next," Alford said. "From the beginning when our kids welcomed guests on the red carpet by acting as paparazzi, to the VIP Reception, to the silent and live auctions to the amazing Pointer Sisters concert. It was a fantastic evening that will not only help the 3,800 children we currently serve, but also go along way towards moving 550 deserving children off waiting lists at our Frisco and Plano branches and into our clubs."

2007 Chrysalis Ball underwriters include Dallas - Fort Worth Lexus Dealers as title underwriter; John B. Lowery (live and silent auction underwriter providing up to $150,000 match); Solare´ Spa and Cafe (VIP reception underwriter); EDS (marketing underwriter); The Seitz Group (casino underwriter); T-Mobile (technology underwriter); Bank of America (printing underwriter) American Bank of Texas (table gifts for 750 guests underwriter); and Independent Bank (valet parking underwriter).

Other sponsors include JC Penny After School Fund at the "Crescent Butterfly" level, Hoffman International Properties, Modern Luxury Dallas and Neiman Marcus at the Diamond "Chrysalis" level; Blockbuster, Darling Homes, Liquid Capital of North Texas, Richard and Cathy Riccardi, Valliance Bank, and Eric and Katina Zepp at the Platinum "Monarch Butterfly" level; Ballfields at Craig Ranch, Brinker International, Capital One, Cornerstone Development, Fujitsu Network Communications, Cindy Greenberg, Inside Collin County Business, Sidney Lenz, Doug & Linda Manner, Metro PCS, Michael & Cheryl Massey, John Miller, Petroven, Inc., Pizza Hut, Seven Products, LP, Southern Vanity Magazine, and Staubach Corporation all at the Gold "Gossamer Wing Butterfly" level.

About the Boys and Girls Clubs of Collin County

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County (BGCCC) actively influences the lives of more than 3,800 children each year, making the community a better, safer and more productive place for all citizens. Five locations in McKinney, Frisco and Plano provide a variety of programs designed to promote education, healthy lifestyles, career and social skills, improving the lives of thousands of local children and their families. The BGCCC provides daily mentorship from caring, qualified adults after school and during the summer. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the BGCCC has changed the lives of children and teenagers of Collin County for the better since 1968.