Have a ball
Night out supports Annie’s Angels
Step out for a glamorous evening and help local families at Annie’s Angels 13th annual Heavenly Ball, happening on Saturday, March 14, at 5:30 p.m. at the Ashworth by the Sea in Hampton.
The evening begins with a cocktail hour and silent auction, followed by a few speeches and an all-you-can eat dinner buffet, featuring vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. After dinner is a dance party with music by Johnny B & Laurie the Party Time DJ’s. The attire is “dress to impress,” not formal.
“Heavenly Ball is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” said Bill DaGiau, co-founder of Annie’s Angels. “This year our goal is to raise $110,000 to help local families.”
Annie’s Angels was founded by DaGiau and his wife in memory of his late mother, who died in 2002 after a long battle with breast cancer. Since 2007 the charity has raised over $3 million for families around the area facing financial concerns due to life-threatening disease, illness or disability.
Dinner and the silent auction are included in the price of admission for $75. DaGiau explained that the ball seemed like a fun way to raise money when they first thought of the idea 13 years ago.
“The thing that got the ball off the ground is the fact that we needed to raise money to help these families pay for groceries, health bills, stuff along those lines,” he said. “The best thing about [Annie’s] is that corporate headquarters is a room over the garage at our house, keeping expenses low. That way all the money we raise through our programs is given to families.”
Families can apply for grants from Annie’s to cover expenses ranging from medical bills for groceries and household bills. Annie’s also has a program called “Got Wood” that provides wood for families in the winter, and “Chris’ Pets for Vets” that connect veterans with service animals. In the five years of doing such, they have connected over 500 animals with veterans across the area.
“My favorite thing about it is that we are able to help our neighbors,” DaGiau said. “We’ve been doing it for 13 years and in those years we have never once had to turn anyone away who needed our help. We always have found a way to help.”
DaGiau also said he believes that his mother is still watching over them and everything they do, hopefully with a big smile on her face.
“She was always volunteering, always that mom at any event. I hope she’s proud that we are able to help so many different people,” he said.
Annie’s Angels has more events in the coming months, like the 24th annual Ride by the Sea 5k on May 30, a July 25 Beach Party and a Sept. 12 motorcycle rally.
— Chad Ripley
13th Annual Heavenly Ball by Annie’s Angels
When: Saturday, March 14, 5:30 p.m.
Where: Ashworth by the Sea in Hampton
Cost: $75 Contact: Bill DaGiau, bill@anniesangels.org or call 603-686-4224