Annual ball raises approximately $50,000

LASALLE — The eighth annual Black & White Ball was held Feb. 25 at Senica's Oak Ridge in LaSalle and raised approximately $50,000 for Starved Rock Regional Center for Therapy and Child Development (SRRC). One hundred percent of the proceeds will remain local and help children by giving them the opportunity to live, learn and play to their maximum potential.

Around 150 guests attended this popular annual event which included dinner, dancing, a complimentary martini bar sponsored by TCI Manufacturing, music by Michael J. Perkins and Tony Bianchi, photos by Annette Barr, a live auction presented by Matthew and Brian Bullock, raffles and an introduction of the 2017 Ambassador, Jase Jury, and his family. Jase created his own painting in front of a live audience at the ball with the help of local artist Jeremy Johnson. The painting was then sold during the live auction.

Other highlights from the evening included when Nick Fascetta, The Auto Inspector, surprised Jase with his own Jeep and the Singing Cupcake performed to celebrate SRRC’s 70th anniversary.

“We are blown away by the generosity of our donors and commitment of our Black & White Ball Committee,” said Tracy Beattie, president and CEO of SRRC. “Thanks to everyone involved, we exceeded our goal and raised $10,000 more than last year. It is amazing to watch the event develop into one of SRRC’s largest fundraisers.”

SRRC is a non-profit agency that serves more than 500 children per year. Services include speech, developmental and physical therapy to children throughout the Starved Rock area; a child care center for children with and without special needs in Ottawa; and toddler classes in Ottawa, Princeton and Peru.

For more information, contact Tracy Beattie at 814-434-0857 or tracyb@starvedrockcenter.org.