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

Click on the GuideStar logo for financial information on your Community Foundation

Blues icon B.B. King will be honored at the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi’s Crystal Ball gala on Jan. 17 for his contributions to music and his representation of his native state to the world.

Earlier this year, the $15 million B.B. King Museum and Delta Interpretive Center opened in King's hometown of Indianola. It was only the latest honor for the 83-year-old who has not only been inducted into the Blues Foundation and Rock and Roll halls of fame but also received honorary degrees from Ivy League universities.

“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to honor such a Blues legend!” said Lisa Beene, who is co-chairing the Crystal Ball with her husband Steve. “The opening of the B.B. King Museum has helped keep people excited about the Mississippi Delta and our long standing musical heritage!” 

The Crystal Ball’s theme of Mardi Gras will add to the night’s fun, Beene said. Beads, hurricane shanties, a zydeco band and much more New Orleans-themed atmosphere will add zest to dancing to the Fabulous Steelers, dinner catered by First Choice and fabulous silent and live auctions.  To view the items available for auction go to

http://www.cfnm.org/crystal_ball_info.htm. 

“For over 80 years, B. B. King has graced us with his music and his philanthropy,” said Community Foundation Chairman Pat Nelson. “He has given back to his native state of Mississippi, and now we are pleased to be able to honor him at this year’s Crystal Ball.”

Previous recipients of the Northwest Mississippi Community Star Award are Sam and Mary Donnelly Haskell, Sen. Thad Cochran, Morgan Freeman, and the North Mississippi All Stars.

This year’s Crystal Ball will also announce winners of four other Community Star Awards—Man, Woman, Nonprofit and Business of the year.

The black-tie optional gala is the Community Foundation’s only fundraiser. It enables the Foundation to help more than 200 nonprofit organizations and causes with grants in 2008 of more than $1 million.  The foundation, whose priorities are education, health and young people, serves eight counties in Northwest Mississippi.

 The Crystal Ball will start at 6 p.m., Jan. 17, at the Arena at Southaven. Tickets are $150 per person and may be purchased by contacting the Community Foundation at communityfoundation@CFNM.org or 662.449.5002.