Hope Villages of America’s 11th Annual Blue Jean Ball Goes Virtual
A weeklong silent auction replaces the usual designer-denim-clad gala event in 2021.
For a decade, Hope Villages of America, formerly RCS Pinellas (HVA), has thrown one of Pinellas County’s most highly anticipated charity galas. The upbeat and upscale Blue Jean Ball gave attendees the chance to dance the night away in their trendiest denim while supporting homelessness prevention and housing stability.
In light of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the 11th Annual Blue Jean Ball will take a brand-new form! The 2021 event has been reimagined from an in-person dinner with live music, dancing and a silent auction to a weeklong virtual event (February 23–28) featuring a silent auction and a powerful video keynote from HVA President and CEO Kirk Ray Smith. Smith will share what HVA has accomplished amid the global pandemic and the nonprofit’s bold, new plans for providing help and hope in our new normal. The Blue Jean Ball co-chairs and a former Grace House guest have also contributed to this moving message.
“2020 and 2021 have brought us many ‘firsts,’” Smith said. “First virtual events, first silent auctions, first video keynotes. I’m so proud of the way our staff, event committee members and silent auction sponsors stepped up to make this happen!”
Each year, HVA serves hundreds of families by providing a spectrum of housing stability services that meet Pinellas County residents at their moment of need. “The Haven provides emergency shelter for domestic violence survivors — and a new start in life. Grace House provides 80 — or one-half — of the family shelter beds in the County,” Smith explained, “and provides dignified apartment-style emergency shelter to homeless families with children for up to two months. Goldsmith Gardens offers an affordable housing option to our participants as a ‘next step’ in their journey to self-sufficiency. None of these programs would be here without the support of those who live here and give here through events like the Blue Jean Ball.”
The 2021 Blue Jean Ball is proudly presented by sponsors Siracusa Staffing & Leasing, BIZCO, Pinch-a-Penny and Solace Insurance; other philanthropically focused community members have joined the cause, including Teddi McCune and Chris and Christine Ruppel.
A sampling of the 50-plus highly desirable items up for auction include a one-night stay at the Don Cesar in a luxury suite; dinner at Sekushi at the Plaza, coming soon to Belleair; private sailing lessons for two; autographed Lightning and Buccaneers gear; a two-night stay at the Sheraton Sand Key Resort; a Yeti cooler filled with craft beer and a VIP Brew Party for up to 26 at 3 Daughters Brewing.
Anyone interested in bidding on the silent auction when it opens on February 23 can learn more at hopevillagesofamerica.org/blue-jean-ball or join in the fun by texting BJB2021 to 243725 for the link.
THANK YOU TO OUR PRESENTING SPONSORS
