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or questions to:
Tom Pittman
Foundation President
at tompittman@cfnm.org

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CUTLINE: Crystal Ball committee leaders, from left, Nick Naylor, Kyle Cooper, Mary Margaret Burnett, Steve Beene, Lisa Beene, Tom Pittman, Lisa Cline, David Beene, Leigh Pegram and Brad Moore plan the Jan.17, 2009, Crystal Ball around the Mardi Gras theme. Co-chairmen for the event are Steve and Lisa Beene.

PRESS RELEASE

CONTACT:

STEVE & LISA BEENE 

TOM PITTMAN  662.449.5002  

                                                 Crystal Ball brings New Orleans north

Each year, more than 4 million people come to New Orleans from around the world to be part of what is often billed as the "greatest party on Earth" -- Mardi Gras!  But why travel to New Orleans?  The 9^th Annual Crystal Ball is themed around the colors, music, and excitement that is Mardi Gras!  The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi’s Crystal Ball Chairs (or Captains as referred to by the Mardi Gras glossary)  for the January 17, 2009 event, Steve and Lisa Beene, guarantee party-goers a night to remember. 

“Steve and Lisa have been wonderful participants in the Crystal Ball and the work of the Community Foundation,” said Community Foundation president Tom Pittman. “We appreciate their leadership in making sure the Crystal Ball will be fun for everyone.”

 From Cajun and Creole foods and zydeco music to the shanties of Louisiana, guests will have non-stop food and entertainment.  A surprise might await you as masks are unveiled (optional).  The Crystal Ball is a fun way to celebrate the work of the Community Foundation in connecting people who care with causes that matter.  It is the one and only fundraiser for the Foundation and  assists the organization in impacting communities by connecting people who care with causes that matter.  Every attendee to the Crystal Ball helps the 200 nonprofits throughout the Foundation’s eight-county region.

 Committee chairs have been named: Kyle Cooper for Tickets; Mary Margaret & Charles Burnett for Entertainment; David Beene for Sponsorships; Leigh Pegram for Auction; Jeni Olson, Diane Avent and Dawn Edwards for Decorations; Peggy Linton for Public Relations and Programs; Carol Smith for Registration and Finance; Kim Chamberlin for Volunteers/Hospitality; Lisa Cline for Food; and Brad Moore for Beverages.  To learn how you can assist any of these committees or to inquire about the event, call the Community Foundation at 662.449.5002. 

The Community Foundation, incorporated in 2002, has granted $2 million over the last four years to nonprofit organizations and causes through the generosity of more than 500 donors. For instance, it has created a nationally-recognized initiative to prevent childhood obesity as well as a regional center to improve early childhood education.