The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi will honor Charley Pride and local volunteers at its 21st annual Crystal Ball Gala on Saturday.
The free virtual starts at 6:30 p.m., and Charley Pride’s hit song, Roll On Mississippi is the theme. Go to www.crystalball.org to register.
The gala will showcase charitable works taking place in northwest Mississippi with special appearances by Ken Burns, Archie Manning, Brad Paisley, Marty Stuart, Bobby Rush, Oak Ridge Boys, Mickey Gilley and Lee Greenwood.
Pride, who accepted the Star of Hope honor in October and passed away in mid-December. This will be the first time for CFNM to posthumously honor a Star of Hope.
“While we are deeply saddened by Charley Pride’s passing, we want to pay tribute to the indelible mark that he has left on Mississippi, country music, and our culture. Mr. Pride was Mississippi through and through: ambitious, hardworking, trailblazing, and an endearing soul,” said Michael Bellipanni, Crystal Ball co-chair.
CFNM will also recognize its 2020 Community Stars and outstanding volunteers:
• Bob Dunlap, of Batesville, Dan Maddox Man of the Year
• Robin Cocke, of Clarksdale, Margaret Maddox Woman of the Year
• Heartland Hands Food Pantry, of Southaven, Non-Profit of the Year
• Wade, Inc., of Greenwood, Business of the Year
The Crystal Ball virtual, world-premiere event benefits more than 800 nonprofits through the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi and annually raises $195,000 in support of nonprofits in the 11-county service region. Over the past twenty years, the Crystal Ball has helped to provide over $27 million grants to benefit over 800 nonprofits and charitable causes.
The online auction offers one-of-a-kind items and experiences while helping a great cause. The items are open for bidding at www.crystalballgala.org with registration information provided. Auction items include:
1. Dove hunt for four in Argentina
2. 7-night stay in Hawaii at Hilton Resort, Waikiki Beach
3. Beach house in Panama City, Florida
4. Beach house in Watercolor, Florida
5. Beach house in Gulf Shores, Alabama
6. Intimate lunch with MTV founder Bob Pittman
7. Lunch with Steve Forbes in NYC or Rosedale, Mississippi
8. Two-day fly-fishing trip in Arkansas
9. Signed football by Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning
10. Tour of Royal Studios with “Boo” Mitchell
11. Guided crappie fishing on Grenada Lake
12. Beaver Dam Duck Hunt in Tunica
13. Apple Watch from C Spire
14. Airfare and excursion to Iceland
15. Tallahatchie Quail Hunt
16. Two professional photo sessions
17. Waterfront home at Lake Bruin, Louisiana
18. VIP passes to Memphis Grizzlies
19. VIP passes to Washington Football Team game
20. Canoe trip on Mississippi River with Quapaw Canoe
21. Blues Tour of the Delta with hotel stay in Clarksdale
22. Napa Valley Wine and Food Pairing at Louis M. Martini Winery
23. High Roller Weekend at Gold Strike, Tunica
For more information about sponsorships and volunteer opportunities with the 2021 Crystal Ball Gala, call 662.449.5002, text 662-719-1732, or email strout@cfnm.org.
Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi
The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi manages 240 donor-established funds. Established in 2002 with a generous grant from the Maddox Foundation, the Community Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 charitable organization.
The Foundation serves Bolivar, Coahoma, DeSoto, Leflore, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate, and Tunica counties. A board of 19 volunteer civic leaders governs the Community Foundation.
Learn more about the Community Foundation at www.cfnm.org or call 662.449.5002.
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