The Annual Fairy Tale Ball Makes for a Magical Evening for All Ages.
Published: July 1, 2017
Childcare Resources’ 11th annual Fairy Tale Ball will be held Aug. 26 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Birmingham Marriott Grandview.
The event is presented by both the Board and Junior Board of directors for Childcare Resources, and features an evening of family fun including favorite fairy tale characters, and entertainers.
“The event is unique because it allows families to attend something together,” says Joan Wright, Childcare Resources executive director. “A lot of times parents attend an event and leave their children at home with a babysitter, but this is a time where the children are included and can come along and have a wonderful time. It truly is a magical evening.”
Characters such as Cinderella, Belle, Spiderman, and Batman are frequent gala favorites, and this year Moana will make her debut appearance at the event.
The evening also includes hors d’ oeuvres, adult and children’s beverages, a candy bar, and music provided by a DJ that Wright describes as “engaging and entertaining.”
There also will be costumed stilt walkers, magicians, jugglers, and other entertainers, as well as fairy land activities and a silent auction featuring locally donated items, services, sports tickets and vacation packages.
Childcare Resources is a non-profit 501c3 partner agency of United Way of Central Alabama, which was established in 1984. The agency’s mission is to make quality care and education of children happen by providing information, education, and assistance to families, providers of child care and the community, according to the agency’s website.
The Fairy Tale Ball is one of the organization’s largest fundraisers each year, and serves as a way to bring awareness to the mission of Childcare Resources. Heidi Ramey has attended the Fairy Tale Ball for the last five years, and has been actively involved in planning the event for the last three.
“The event is unique in the sense that it is geared toward families and truly offers a night of fun for all,” Ramey says. “The characters and activities are top notch and offer non-stop entertainment all night long. I love to watch parents try to keep up with their children as they run from one activity to another with excitement on their faces.” Ramey is currently the vice president of the Junior Board and the co-chairman of this year’s ball.
While parents often dress in typical evening wear attire, Wright says children are encouraged to wear costumes to the event.
The idea for a Fairy Tale Ball originated when event organizers wanted something that would engage children as well as adults. “Childcare Resources is all about children and benefiting the children in our community,” Wright says. “The notion of a Fairy Tale Ball had not been done in the community yet, and that is how things came together. The first event sold out, and I have heard stories that people were calling in tears because they weren’t able to purchase tickets.”
The event generally draws about 700 to 800 individuals each year. A family ticket is $200, adult tickets are $90, and a child ticket for ages 12 and under is $20. Children two and under are admitted free. Wright says it is best to purchase tickets in advance, and space is limited. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.cvent.com/events.
Emily Reed is a freelance writer and stay-at-home mom to her son, Tobias. Birmingham Parent publisher Carol Evans serves on the Childcare Resources Board of Directors.