Snow Ball to raise funds for needy

Last year the event raised about $1.6 million to help more than 39,000 people in 21 counties in northeast Kansas, according to Mary Clark, integrated marketing manager for Catholic Charities. This year the goal is about $1.7 million.

The funds are used for the emergency assistance program, for food, rent, utilities and critical support needs, she said. Many programs and individuals in Wyandotte County are helped by these funds. For example, one of the programs helped in Wyandotte County is the Shalom House for homeless men.

Also, many individuals of all faiths are helped with food, rent and utility assistance.

"We've noticed quite an increase with people coming in,” Clark said. “We’re hoping that this will help get that momentum going.”

The black-tie Snow Ball event is held at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center, Kansas City, Mo. More than 1,700 people attended it last year, and are expected this year. A limited number of tickets are still available, Clark said.

The reception, formal dinner and dancing will include entertainment by Kokomo featuring Karen Davis on the main floor, and Kerry Strayer will entertain in the cocktail lounge. Tickets are $250 each and all proceeds go to programs. Many companies and individuals are donating services for this event.

The Snow Ball is sponsored by the Catholic Charities Foundation of Northeast Kansas. Catholic Charities of Northeast Kansas served about 85,000 people through its various programs last year. For more event information, call 913-433-2046.