16th annual Charity Ball in New Smyrna Beach raises money for community programs

Headline Surfer photos by Henry Frederick / Kaye Walker, shown at left, poses with a friend at her 16th annual Holiday Charity Ball at the Brannon Center in New Smyrna Beach. Tia McDonald, of Edgewater, a New Smyrna Beach High grad and University of Florida student, shown in the front entranceway, was among a contingent of volunteers who helped out. 

NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- A couple hundred people showed up for the 16th annual Holiday Charity Ball at the Brannon Center to help support Habitat for Humanity, the Council on Agings Meals on Wheels and the NSB Caps Scholarship Fund.

The event was organized by Kaye Walker with help from several community organizations and businesses.

Among the dignitaries there was New Smyrna Beach City Commissioner Jack Grasty. Headline Surfer was the only media outlet to cover the event, which the 24/7 Internet newspaper has done for each of the past five years.

At far left, DJ Big Tom entertains the crowd. New Smyrna Beach City Commissioner Jack Grasty, shown at center, is a regular fixture at community events like this. The gift basket at right was among the silent auction offerings. Other items included bottled wine, paintings and crafts.

Patrons paid $60 for a night of dancing, food and drinks, along with raffles and a silent auction. Music entertainment was provided by DJ Big Tom.