Friday night marks the date of the Valentine's Ball in Wendell. You can still buy tickets at the Wendell Chamber of Commerce for $25. The dance begins at 8 p.m. and the fun lasts until 11 p.m. at the Wendell Community Center.
It'll be worth your time. The ball was the brainchild of Brigitte Gros, the Wendell Chamber of Commerce's Member Services Director. She came up with the idea of hosting the ball as a fundraiser to support the East Wake Education Foundation, in the wake of a decision by town commissioners to cut all donations to community service groups in this year's budget.
As part of their conversation, town commissioners agreed that the town could seek other ways than cash outlay to support institutions like the education foundation.
Gros got the Wendell Chamber of Commerce to sign on as a ball sponsor, thinking it would help bring out a crowd. But she bears the entire expense for the event from her own pocket. That's a significant investment on the part of one person. The town provided the space.
The East Wake Education Foundation has always been a busy organization, but it's hard to imagine they can do much more than they are right now. In addition to their major work, which is working with young children and their families, the foundation is also busy preparing for this year's Stars in the East show and they've been working diligently to close on the purchase of their office space on Fourth Street for several months now.
That's part of the reason you should want to attend Friday night's ball. It's a good feeling to know that your money supports a worthwhile cause.
But here's the other reason you should want to attend: It's a party! Who doesn't like a good party. There'll be plenty of friends there for you to visit with and, if you're a dancer, the music will beckon you at every turn. That alone is worth the price of admission.
