Masquerade money

by The City Wire staff ([email protected]) 122 views 

Hopefully, those attending the Walton Arts Center’s second annual Masquerade Ball have carefully placed their masks in a safe place so they can find them this time next year. The marquee event benefits arts education at the center and seems to be gaining momentum.

This year’s affair, held Feb. 18 in the center’s Baum Walker Hall, grossed $136,000 and is set to net about $90,000. The figure is less than officials’ $100,000 goal, but still much more than last year, said Justin DeLille, Walton Arts Center director of development and corporate affairs.

The live auction portion of the event raked in about $18,000. Another $11,000 came from a direct pledge drive conducted among patrons seated at the ball.