By J.J. Smith. Times are tough and the economy struggling, but the Rockwall Women’s League still managed to raise nearly $130,000 to fund local college scholarships and provide grants to area non-profit groups with their 2009 “Mystique” Charity Ball fundraising gala held April 18 at the Dallas Hilton Anatole Hotel.

According to 2009 Ball Chairman Kendra Jones, a total of $129,400 was raised through event sponsorship, program advertising and event ticket sales; plus silent and live auction item sales.

Leading event sponsors at the 10 Carat Diamond level were Inwood National Bank and Presbyterian Hospital of Rockwall , which each donated $10,000.

Sponsorships at the Emerald level were contributed by Baldwin Press, Blair Baldwin of Coldwell Banker Apex Realtors, Cici’s Pizza/F&J Ventures, Genesis Team, Lake Pointe Photography, Q Ball Design/Billy Quinton, Shanks Jewelers, Law Office of Kim Timpa, Sterling One Properties, Tracker Software, Walton’s Garden Center and Willis Fine Jewelry.

Live auction items included a $15,000 Weight Loss Surgery, a $13,800 “Patio of Your Dreams,” a $10,000 automobile, a $7,800 golden beryl pendant, a $7,000 gold locket, a $7,000 fishing trip to Tip Top Lodge in Canada, a $7,000 Russian jet plane ride, dinner delivered weekly for one year, plus tickets to a Jonas Brothers concert.

Over 100 silent auction items included an automobile, photography portraits, legal assistance, dental procedures, spa treatments, dinners, jewelry, airline tickets, hotel stays, entertainment tickets and much more.

“We’re so excited that we were able to raise nearly $130,000 this year,” she said. “With the economy down, we didn’t really know what we’d be able to do. It just goes to show how much Rockwall County residents care about their community and how generous they are.” 

Jones said the final disbursement determinations were $95,000 for college scholarships and $34,300 for community grants.

“Scholarships and grants are being provided to high school seniors and local organizations which applied by the 2009 deadline,” Jones said.

“Letters have been sent to all seniors and area non-profit organizations which applied for grants, notifying them if they will receive a grant. Senior scholarship recipients are learning of their scholarship awards at the awards assemblies at each of their high schools in May.”

She said organizations receiving grants from the Women’s League will receive the actual check at the Disbursements Reception that will be held May 26th at the home of Rockwall Women’s League President Debbie Daniels.

A reception to honor the scholarship recipients and their families will be held June 3 at the home of Kendra Jones.

“Four seniors from Rockwall High School and four from Rockwall-Heath High School will each receive $10,000 college scholarships,” Jones explained. “Two more students will each receive a $2,500 Electra Malone Art scholarship.”

The final community grant disbursement schedule is as follows:
• Helping Hands RWL Children’s Medical Fund – $14,000
• Rockwall ISD – $4,400
• Rainbow Room – $3,000
• Lone Star CASA – $3,000
• Shoes For Kids – $2,500
• Rockwall Alliance for the Arts, Youth Art reach – $1,500
• Rockwall ISD Athletics FCA – $1,000
• Rockwall ISD Education Innovation Award  -$1,000
• Music Fest – $1,000
• Rockwall County Committee on Aging – $1,000
• The Legacy School – $1,000
• Rockwall ISD “Shattered Dreams” event – $900
• Rockwall County Boys & Girls Club – $750
• Rockwall ISD DFYit – $500

For more information about the Rockwall Women’s League, visit http://rockwallwomensleague.org.