NEW SMYRNA BEACH -- Susie Bruner put into perspective the true meaning of the 15th annual New Smyrna Beach Holiday Charity Ball.
"To do whatever you can in this economy and what has been done here is amazing," Bruner said. "If all of us would do just a little, this world would be better off."
That's precisely how event organizer Kaye Walker sees it, impressed that the ball has generated as much as $48,000 to benefit the following community causes: Habitat for Humanity, Meals on Wheels and the NSB High School CAPS Alumni Scholarship Fund.
City Commissioner Judy Reiker poses with Realtor Cindy Walker. Reiker sits at a table with husband Guy Mariande during the Holiday Charity Ball.
Realtor Cindy Walker was ecstatic about the packed house at the Brannon Center and the efforts of its longtime organizer.
"This is as good as it gets," Walker said. "We so admire Kaye for what she does for Habitat for Humanity and the other programs."
City Commissioner Judy Reiker, who attended with her husband, Guy Mariande, put the event in the spirit of Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.
"It's a great outpouring of the community -- it's all peace, love and joy," Reiker said, adding, "What generosity this city has."
"It's a great outpouring of the community -- it's all peace, love and joy," Reiker said, adding, "What generosity this city has."
It was a night for many other couples as well like businessman Randy McHenry, with his wife, Sheri.
"It's a great thing for the town," McHenry said. 
"It's a great thing for the town," McHenry said.
Patrons paid $50 each to attend the gala event, from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Brannon Center with dancing, an open bar sponsored by JJ Finns of New Smyrna Beach, along with raffles, a silent auction and valet parking.
Randy McHenry is shown here at far left and in the inset with his wife, Sheri.
Here are some additional photos from the ball:
At far left, are D.J. Big Tom and Robert Burns, editor of the defunct Observer newspaper. In the middle is Palmer Wilson and at far right is Buddy Davenport and his wife.
At left is Elizabeth Gifford. In the middle is Cindy Fraser, who sang the national anthem. In the far right are a group of friends.
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