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$page_title       = "About the Cinderella Charity Ball | Arlington's Longest-Standing Charity Tradition";
$page_description = "Established in 1961, the Cinderella Charity Ball is Arlington's longest-standing charitable fundraiser — raising over $15 million for the Boys & Girls Clubs through 65+ years of community generosity.";
include 'includes/header.php';
?>

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    <div class="page-hero-tag"><i class="fas fa-crown" aria-hidden="true"></i> Est. 1961</div>
    <h1>About the Cinderella Charity Ball</h1>
    <p class="page-hero-desc">Arlington's longest-standing social event and charitable fundraiser — 65+ years of transforming young lives through the power of community generosity.</p>
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     ABOUT THE BALL
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        <div class="eyebrow" style="margin-bottom:16px;">Our Story</div>
        <h2 id="about-heading" style="margin-bottom:24px;">Sixty-Five Years of Giving</h2>

        <p>
          For over 65 years, the Cinderella Charity Ball has been the heartbeat of Arlington's charitable spirit —
          our community's longest-running tradition of giving. Established in 1961, this inaugural event was met
          with tremendous success, raising essential funds for the Arlington Boys Clubs and sparking a legacy that
          continues to grow each year.
        </p>

        <p>
          In 1967, the Ladies' Auxiliary was formed to assume responsibility for organizing this prestigious event.
          A completely volunteer, non-profit organization with no Auxiliary salaries, the Ladies' Auxiliary remains
          the engine that makes the Cinderella Ball possible year after year.
        </p>

        <div class="pull-quote">
          <p>"Every dollar raised at the Cinderella Ball transforms lives — from music studios where kids discover their voices to security systems that keep them safe. Your support builds brighter futures for Arlington's youth."</p>
          <cite>— Ladies' Auxiliary of Arlington</cite>
        </div>

        <p>
          Proceeds from the Cinderella Charity Ball provide critical resources for the Arlington branches of the
          Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County, supporting capital improvements to facilities and major
          operational expenditures. Significant investments made possible through the Ball include the purchase of
          vehicles and office equipment, the addition of a boxing gym at the Main Branch, the completion of the
          Southeast Branch building in 1981, the expansion of the basketball gym in 1996, and the opening of the
          Kromer Branch in 1998.
        </p>

        <p>
          In recent years, the introduction of the Mobile Clubhouse Experience has enabled the clubs to extend
          their programs to children beyond their Arlington locations. In 2023, the Kromer Branch completed
          renovations to create a Music &amp; Youth Clubhouse, providing a space for fostering creativity and
          self-expression among young people. Additionally, in 2024 the Dan Serna Branch completed their
          renovations — all made possible by decades of Cinderella Ball fundraising.
        </p>

        <p>
          Over the past 65 years, the Cinderella Charity Ball has raised over <strong>$15 million</strong> in
          support of the Boys &amp; Girls Clubs in Arlington. We invite young women who are eager to contribute
          to this important cause to apply and join us in making a positive impact on the children of Arlington.
        </p>
      </div>

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          <h4><i class="fas fa-chart-line"></i> By the Numbers</h4>
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            <span class="s-num">$15M+</span>
            <span class="s-lbl">Total Raised Since 1961</span>
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          <div class="sidebar-stat">
            <span class="s-num">65+</span>
            <span class="s-lbl">Years of Continuous Operation</span>
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          <div class="sidebar-stat">
            <span class="s-num">8,190</span>
            <span class="s-lbl">Arlington Kids Served (2023)</span>
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          <div class="sidebar-stat">
            <span class="s-num">~60</span>
            <span class="s-lbl">Volunteer Auxiliary Members</span>
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          <div class="sidebar-stat">
            <span class="s-num">$12,500+</span>
            <span class="s-lbl">Scholarships Awarded Annually</span>
          </div>
        </div>

        <div class="sidebar-card">
          <h4><i class="fas fa-calendar-alt"></i> Key Ball Details</h4>
          <ul class="sidebar-list">
            <li><i class="fas fa-map-marker-alt"></i> Arlington Convention Center at Lowes Hotel</li>
            <li><i class="fas fa-ticket-alt"></i> $150 per person — sells out annually</li>
            <li><i class="fas fa-users"></i> 1,100–1,300 attendees each year</li>
            <li><i class="fas fa-heart"></i> 100% of proceeds (after expenses) go to BGCGTC</li>
            <li><i class="fas fa-envelope"></i> cinderellacharityball@gmail.com</li>
          </ul>
        </div>

        <div class="sidebar-card">
          <h4><i class="fas fa-star"></i> Community Impact</h4>
          <ul class="sidebar-list">
            <li><i class="fas fa-check"></i> Miss Cinderella represents BGCGTC at community events</li>
            <li><i class="fas fa-check"></i> Candidates participate in 4th of July Parade &amp; Parade of Lights</li>
            <li><i class="fas fa-check"></i> 600+ candidates have participated historically</li>
          </ul>
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     VISUAL TIMELINE
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    <header class="section-header reveal">
      <div class="eyebrow" style="justify-content:center;">Our History</div>
      <h2 id="timeline-heading">Six Decades of Impact</h2>
      <p>From a single fundraising event to a $15 million legacy — here's how the Cinderella Charity Ball grew into Arlington's most beloved tradition.</p>
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            <span class="year-label">1961</span>
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        <div class="timeline-content">
          <h4>The First Cinderella Ball</h4>
          <p>The inaugural event raises essential funds for the Arlington Boys Clubs — seven young women participate, launching a tradition that would span generations.</p>
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            <span class="timeline-dot"></span>
            <span class="year-label">1967</span>
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          <h4>Ladies' Auxiliary Founded</h4>
          <p>The Ladies' Auxiliary of Arlington is formed to take over organizational responsibility — a fully volunteer, non-profit group that remains the backbone of the Ball today.</p>
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            <span class="year-label">1981</span>
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          <h4>Southeast Branch Completed</h4>
          <p>Campaign funds help complete the Boys &amp; Girls Club Southeast Branch building — a major milestone in expanding club access to Arlington's children.</p>
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            <span class="year-label">1996</span>
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          <h4>Basketball Gym Expansion</h4>
          <p>The Southeast Branch basketball gymnasium is expanded, giving hundreds of Arlington youth more space for sports programs and physical activity.</p>
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            <span class="year-label">1998</span>
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        <div class="timeline-content">
          <h4>Kromer Branch Opens</h4>
          <p>Ball proceeds fund the construction of the Kromer Branch, expanding the club's footprint across Arlington and reaching even more underserved youth.</p>
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            <span class="year-label">2022</span>
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        <div class="timeline-content">
          <h4>Mobile Clubhouse &amp; Music Studio</h4>
          <p>The campaign funds an Arlington-dedicated Mobile Clubhouse RV, a Feeding the Future meal prep program, Music Clubhouse at Kromer Branch, and an in-house Licensed Professional Counselor.</p>
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            <span class="year-label">2023</span>
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        <div class="timeline-content">
          <h4>Music &amp; Youth Clubhouse Opens</h4>
          <p>A state-of-the-art Music &amp; Youth Clubhouse opens at the Kromer Branch, providing a creative sanctuary where kids can discover music and self-expression.</p>
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            <span class="year-label">2024</span>
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        <div class="timeline-content">
          <h4>Dan Serna Branch Renovations</h4>
          <p>The Dan Serna Branch completes major renovations, modernizing facilities and expanding programming capacity for Arlington's youth.</p>
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            <span class="year-label">2026</span>
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        <div class="timeline-content">
          <h4>66th Annual Ball — $15 Million Milestone</h4>
          <p>Claire Diane Novoselsky is crowned Miss Cinderella 2026 at the sold-out 66th Annual Ball, as cumulative fundraising surpasses $15 million for Arlington's Boys &amp; Girls Clubs.</p>
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     APPLICATION & ELIGIBILITY
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      <div class="eyebrow" style="justify-content:center;">Join the Tradition</div>
      <h2 id="apply-heading">Becoming a Cinderella Candidate</h2>
      <p>We welcome applications from all eligible young women! If you're a sophomore or junior with a heart for service, we'd love to hear from you.</p>
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        <h4>Academic Year</h4>
        <p>Currently enrolled as a <strong>sophomore or junior</strong> in high school at the time of application.</p>
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      <div class="eligibility-card">
        <div class="elig-icon"><i class="fas fa-map-marker-alt" aria-hidden="true"></i></div>
        <h4>Arlington Connection</h4>
        <p>Attend school within Arlington city limits, <em>or</em> reside within the Arlington city limits — either qualifies.</p>
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      <div class="eligibility-card">
        <div class="elig-icon"><i class="fas fa-star" aria-hidden="true"></i></div>
        <h4>Leadership &amp; Character</h4>
        <p>Selection is based on academics, school/community/church activities, leadership potential, and parental involvement.</p>
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        <h3 style="margin-bottom:16px; font-size:1.2rem;">How Selection Works</h3>
        <p style="margin-bottom:14px;">Each fall, the previous year's candidates nominate young women they feel would excel as candidates for the current year. The Ball is also promoted on Facebook and Instagram so potential applicants know when to download their application.</p>
        <p style="margin-bottom:14px;">There is no limit on applicants, but the Ladies' Auxiliary selects a maximum of <strong>20 candidates</strong> each year. Applications must include a full listing of school, community, and church activities, academic standing, and parental community involvement.</p>
        <p>Scholarship applications are kept completely <strong>anonymous</strong> to ensure awards are based purely on academic records, teacher input, and essays — never on donor relationships.</p>
        <div style="margin-top:28px; display:flex; gap:12px; flex-wrap:wrap;">
          <a href="/contact.php" class="btn btn-blue"><i class="fas fa-envelope"></i> Ask a Question</a>
          <a href="/candidates.php" class="btn btn-outline-gold"><i class="fas fa-users"></i> Meet 2026 Candidates</a>
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        <div class="eyebrow" style="color:var(--gold-primary); margin-bottom:14px;">The Heart of the Ball</div>
        <h2 id="auxiliary-heading">Ladies' Auxiliary of Arlington</h2>
        <p>
          The Ladies' Auxiliary is the volunteer organization that makes the Cinderella Charity Ball possible.
          Founded in 1967 and open to all women in the community, the Auxiliary has approximately 60 members
          who dedicate their time and passion to planning, organizing, and executing the annual Ball.
        </p>
        <p>
          There are <em>no Auxiliary salaries</em> — every member volunteers their time, ensuring that
          as much money as possible reaches the Boys &amp; Girls Clubs. The Cinderella Charity Ball is the
          Auxiliary's foremost and most impactful annual project.
        </p>
        <a href="/contact.php?subject=auxiliary" class="btn btn-primary" style="margin-top:8px;">
          <i class="fas fa-heart"></i> Join the Ladies' Auxiliary
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          <span class="num">~60</span>
          <span class="lbl">Active Members</span>
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        <div class="aux-fact">
          <span class="num">100%</span>
          <span class="lbl">Volunteer Operated</span>
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          <span class="num">1967</span>
          <span class="lbl">Year Founded</span>
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          <span class="num">Open</span>
          <span class="lbl">to All Women</span>
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      <span class="script-accent" style="font-size:1.4rem; display:block; margin-bottom:12px;">Be Part of the Legacy</span>
      <h2 id="about-cta-heading" style="color:var(--white);">Ready to Make a Difference?</h2>
      <p style="color:rgba(255,255,255,.7); max-width:520px; margin:0 auto 32px;">
        Whether you donate, apply as a candidate, or join the Ladies' Auxiliary — there's a place for you in the Cinderella Charity Ball family.
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        <a href="/support.php#donate" class="btn btn-primary"><i class="fas fa-heart"></i> Donate Now</a>
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