A local charity gala scored big recently, drawing record attendance and donations. The Bancroft Butterfly Ball raised $340,000 and hosted 310 guests — more than any of Bancroft’s past 18 galas.
Featuring Phillies TV play-by-play announcer Tom McCarthy as the volunteer dinner chair and emcee, the event raised funds for Haddonfield, N.J.-based Bancroft, a leading service provider for people with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries.
New at this year’s ball was a Text-to-Pledge initiative, through which guests could pledge additional donations to Bancroft throughout the night, by text message on their cell phones. That effort alone raised $28,000 — adding nine percent to the ball’s fundraising total.
“People were really moved by Megan Smetona’s story,” noted Ball chairperson Barbara Berkman, referring to a young woman with autism who was highlighted at the event. Smetona, who graduated from Bancroft’s special education school in 2008, now lives and works successfully in the community. She was featured in a short video at the gala and spoke briefly to the crowd.
“Megan is a shining example of how Bancroft makes a huge difference in people’s lives and in the lives of their families,” said Berkman, whose daughter Jillian receives services from Bancroft’s adult programs. “People respond very generously when they see the incredible impact Bancroft makes.”
In addition, the Ball spotlighted two community leaders who received special awards during the festivities:
• The prestigious Margaret Bancroft Award was presented to Lawrence J. Goren, M.D., of Mount Laurel, N.J., founder and CEO of Bath, Pa.-based OnSite Innovations and a leader in the occupational health field, for his exemplary support of Bancroft’s work and its employees’ health needs.
• The Corporate and Community Leadership Award was presented to William A. Graham IV, CPCU, CLU, of Gladwyne, Pa. Graham is CEO of The Graham Company, a Philadelphia-based firm that has shown an outstanding commitment to Bancroft and the region, helping to reduce risks, prevent losses, retain outstanding employees and more.
The evening was rounded out by dinner, dancing, live music and a performance by Joyful Noise — a choir of adults with disabilities, including many who receive services from Bancroft.
“It was such a feel-good evening,” said Berkman. “People had a wonderful time and felt really great about the cause they were supporting.”
Proceeds from the Ball represent almost one-third of Bancroft’s unrestricted donations, known as The Margaret Bancroft Annual Fund. Each year, Bancroft relies on this fund to support virtually every aspect of its services, from facility improvements to assistive technology, and extracurricular activities to vocational training. Because such unrestricted donations are not tied to a specific use, Bancroft can use these funds where they are most needed.
Major sponsors for this year’s Butterfly Ball, held at the Merion in Cinnaminson, N.J., include honorees Goren and Graham, along with Lynda and Stewart Resnick, Stewart Business Systems, and Joanne and Raymond Welsh.
For more details about the event, visit www.BancroftBall.org. For more information on Bancroft, visit www.bancroft.org.
