Holly Ball Turns Ten

On Saturday, December 11, 2021, Barrington Children’s Charities celebrated its 10-year anniversary with an in-person gala at the Barrington Hills Country Club. Sponsors, donors, and guests generously supported the annual Holly Ball holiday fundraiser. Although the official anniversary was in 2020, the charity had been unable to truly mark the occasion due to the pandemic.

Attendees celebrated in style with a bigger and better-than-ever event designed to celebrate 10 years of helping local children in need. The charity’s message for Holly Ball was “gratitude” and the evening was dedicated to thanking all those who helped the charity to meet and exceed its mission. Darby and Tom Hills, charity co-founders, gave a momentous speech that recognized every sponsor, donor, and volunteer from over the years and emphasized their role and importance in making the charity a success. The couple also shared personal insights on growing and building the charity and thoughts for the years to come.

The decor was a breathtaking and elegant mix of blues, golds, silvers, and glitter. The event took place in a large, clear outdoor heated tent with large silver globes hanging from the ceiling and unique hanging florals with pin spot lighting. Chandeliers and mirrored tabletops accented a reflective blue dance floor.

Exciting fundraisers included a three-night stay at the all-inclusive Playa Hotels & Resorts and a $5,000 jewelry gift card from Long & Co. Jewelers. The charity presented its fundraiser video with custom greetings from past sponsors, including Barbie and Paul Hills and Vince Foglia, and a warm message of thanks from Darby and Tom Hills. After the seated dinner, guests were treated to dancing with music from the Gold Coast All Stars band. It was a night to be remembered!

This year’s Holly Ball raised more than $365,000. Ten-year achievements are noted below. The charity continues to be run entirely by volunteers and all donations are used to help support and address the social, emotional, physical, and educational needs of children within District 220. As the charity looks forward, it will continue to help fill these essential needs. To learn more, visit barringtonchildrenscharities.com.