by Janelle Moncada
Love and laughter was certainly in the air as people danced the night away at the 19th annual Marin Valentine’s Ball.
On Feb. 7, the elegant and romantic event was celebrated under twinkling lights at the Marin Civic Center Hall in order to bring recognition to those who are in need.
In 1996, the honorable Harold Brown Jr. started the fashionable occasion in order to “raise awareness and support charitable organizations that help children, families and older adults in need.”
Since then, guests celebrate a night filled with cocktails, dancing and auctions around Valentine’s Day in order to help benefit local organizations. A couple of the auctioned off items included a private dinner for 12 at Insalata’s and a weekend getaway for three at Squaw Creek.
This year, all proceeds from the auctions went toward the North Bay Children’s Center (NBCC), Sunny Hills Services and The Godmothers of Timothy Murphy School.
The NBCC gives full-day year-round child care to more than 300 children on a daily basis starting from birth to the age of 12. By providing a various amount of support services, such as adult classes and scholarship assistance for children, this organization aims to help “nurture and enhance family life.”
For Sunny Hills Services, this organization aims to help the educational and developmental needs of children in need. Since its founding in 1895, its services have created a positive outlook on life for many families. This year, the organization plans to help more than 1,800 children by providing intensive services, as well as providing “supportive family services” to many family members.
The Godmothers of Timothy Murphy School is a group of volunteers who support the educational services of the Timothy Murphy School at St. Vincent’s School for Boys. These individuals “promote positive life and school services” by organizing fundraiser events as well as volunteering their own time to help children.
As the night continued, local Bay Area band Wonderbread 5 took the stage to provide some dance tunes, guests were not only filled with delight, but also with happiness and love knowing that this night under sparkling nights will be benefitting those who are in need.
