Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County will 'Fan the Flame' with 2008 fundraising gala

McKinney, Texas, February 21, 2008- A talented and diverse group of men and women from the cities of Frisco, McKinney, Plano, Prosper, Allen, and Anna as well as Dallas have joined forces to plan the 2008 Chrysalis Ball: Fan the Flame, benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County (BGCCC).

The annual Chrysalis Ball is the largest fundraising event for the BGCCC with last year's proceeds reaching a record $933,000 for the non-profit organization, an amount more than any other of the 4,000 Boys & Girls Clubs across the nation has ever raised in a single event. Funds raised at the gala help the BGCCC provide ongoing programs and services that have a profound impact on the lives of the 4,500 children and teenagers it currently serves, as well as increasing the organization's capacity to serve an additional 550 youth currently on waiting lists at Frisco and Plano BGCCC branches.

At the 2008 gala planning team's initial launch party recently held at Solare Spa and Cafe in Frisco, 2007 Chrysalis Ball Chair Cheryl Massey of McKinney announced the 2008 gala chairs will be Von and Rosanne Best, owners of The Frisco Bar and Solare Spa & Café in Frisco.

"It has been my honor to Chair the Chrysalis Ball for the last three years and I am thrilled to announce our new Chairs for 2008," Massey said. "Rosanne and Von Best, who were the generous VIP Reception Sponsors of the 2007 Chrysalis Ball: A Celebration of Heroes presented by Lexus, will now be our heroes in 2008 as we continue to 'Fan the Flame' and ignite the passion that our communities now feel for the children of Collin County who need us most."

"Von and I became more involved after witnessing the needs of the clubs, especially here in Frisco," Rosanne Best said. "The positive impact these clubs have on the children is amazing. We would like to see more clubs developed to meet the long waiting lists of children. It is our desire to help the clubs develop such stellar facilities and programs that all kids in Collin County who need a safe, fun place to learn and grow after school and during the summer can be served by the BGCCC."

The 2008 Chrysalis Ball: Fan the Flame will take place on Saturday, November 1, at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Frisco. A fundraising goal for the event is set at $1 million.

"The 'Fan the Flame' concept has to do with the fact that although we experienced such huge success at last year’s event, there is still much to accomplish for the organization," Von Best said. "No one candle with its flame can provide the energy and resources needed. However, by fanning that flame, you increase the energy and ignite a passion in others to step forward and join to support an extremely worthwhile organization like the BGCCC."

2008 Chrysalis Ball planning team members include (in alphabetical order): Deborah Abrams, Diane Allen, Katrina Bawcom, Ashley Best, Donna Blackard, Michelle Blake, Christina Blouin, Tracy Cash, Rochelle Clarke, Leslie Davis, Craig DeCell, Leslie Dennis, Jackie Devine, Trish Dishner, Nancy Flora, Steve Goodner, Sue Goodner, Kim Green, Cindy Greenberg, Pam Harkins, Lynda Haschlee, Carrie Himel, Allison Hollingsworth, Stefanie Hoyle, Diane Jensen, Elliott Jolivette, Tonya Knott, Lisa Lacey, Erika Lafata, Matt Lafata, Michael Lawrence, Daniel Lewis, Dale Long, Karen Long, Shelli Manguray, Victoria Mansir, Brian Marks, Cheryl Massey, Dan Nicoloff, Laurie Orak, Leanne Parsons, Cathy Ramsey, Jodi Randall, Jennie Randall, Steve Randall, Cathy Riccardi, Lauri Ricchi, Randy Smith, Debbie Smith, Tony Spino, Angie Toles, Giovanni Uribe, Renee Williams, and Shelley Williams.

To become a part of the 2008 Chrysalis Ball planning team, inquire about corporate and/or private gala sponsorships, or to donate items for the gala’s silent and live auctions, contact Angie Toles, BGCCC Director of Outreach, at 214-544-8924 or atoles@bgccc.org.

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Collin County (BGCCC) actively influences the lives of more than 4,500 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.