21st Annual Butterfly Ball

Bancroft will soon celebrate its 21st annual


Butterfly Ball, the non-profit organization’s signature event and leading


fundraiser.  This Saturday, February 8th, from 6:30 PM – 11:30 p.m.,


at The Merion in Cinnaminson, N.J., more than 300 supporters of the


organization will gather at the black-tie gala for an evening of dinner,


dancing, live music and a silent auction.  The annual ball raises


awareness and funds for resources and programs for people with intellectual or


developmental disabilities such as autism, as well as those with acquired brain


injuries.

Over the years, the Ball has raised over $3.5 million for


programs directed to improve the lives of those served by Bancroft and


continues to be the organization’s single-largest fundraiser annually. This


year’s Ball will spotlight several community leaders who have each taken it


upon themselves to improve the lives of others and support people with


disabilities.

Laura and Joe Atkinson, of Haddonfield, will be presented


with the prestigious Margaret Bancroft Award, in gratitude for their support


and service as passionate ambassadors of the organization.  Joe serves on


Bancroft’s Board of Trustees and Laura is heavily involved at the program


level. The couple has a special tie to Bancroft, in addition to their support,


as their daughter Casey has benefited from Bancroft’s programs since she first


came to the organization 13 years ago.

South Jersey-native Mindy Holman, of Holman Automotive


Group, will be receiving Bancroft’s Corporate Community Leadership Award for


her ongoing involvement and Holman Automotive Group’s commitment to Bancroft’s


mission and long-term success. The organization will also recognize its past


honorees from the Butterfly Ball’s 21-year history.

Bancroft is also excited to announce that Beasley Reece,


CBS3 Lead Sports Anchor, will be this year’s Master of Ceremonies. Reece is a


former National Football League player, a five-time Emmy award winner, and has


earned 12 Associated Press Awards.