Cinderella Ball

The Cinderella Charity Ball is the oldest continuing social event and charitable benefit in Arlington. The Cinderella Ball concept grew out of a need for the Board of Directors of the Arlington Boys Club (later known as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Arlington) to secure financing for the remainder of the fiscal year in 1961. The Boys Club was at that time a small, sports-centered guidance organization for middle and low-income boys. Outstanding female high school students would solicit donations and sell tickets to a black-tie affair, where they would be presented to the community and recognized for their achievements. The winner would be crowned “Miss Cinderella” and represent the Boys Club as a sort of goodwill ambassador the next year. The first Cinderella Ball, chaired by Mrs. Elmo White, was produced by a committee of volunteers, several of whom were the wives of current board members. Six young ladies, all students at Arlington High school, were selected for the first Cinderella Court. The affair was an immediate financial success, demonstrating the potential to become a major social event for a rapidly growing Arlington community. The Board of Directors quickly voted to make the Ball an annual affair.

In 1967, the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Arlington Boys Club was formed. Under the leadership of Mrs. Adolph Reinhardt, the Auxiliary used the foundation laid by previous Cinderella Ball committee members to establish a structure for producing a major annual fundraiser for the Boys Club, as well as other support tasks for the Board of Directors. The Cinderella candidates and Ladies’ Auxiliary work hard each year to ensure a successful event. This unique partnership of dedicated volunteers and a supportive community is now 48 years old.