The Denton Benefit League was established in May 1973 for the purposes of promoting volunteerism in the community and raising funds for charitable projects. It was Mrs. J. B. Floyd (Maurine) who set the example for such an organization in Denton.
In the spring of 1969, the Denton City County Day Nursery was trying to retire the indebtedness on its child care facility. To raise funds, Mrs. Floyd, who was then President of the group’s Board of Directors, proposed Denton’s first Benefit Ball. She and another member of the Board, Mrs. Mack Gay (Mary Claude), enlisted the assistance of friends, and the “Guys and Dolls Ball” was held in November 1969. Eight thousand dollars was raised to help secure the future of the Day Nursery’s program.
In 1971, the Cross Timbers Girl Scout Council approached Mrs. Floyd
for help in fund-raising for the Lake Texoma Girl Scout Camp. Mrs. R.A.
Nichols (Juliette) and a number of other women helped Mrs. Floyd meet-
ingorganize a “Harvest Ball” which was held at the Civic Center in
November 1971. Approximately $5,000 was raised toward the establishment
of the camp.
When the Denton Fine Arts Council sought her help in 1973, Mrs. Floyd
agreed to serve as an advisor for a third Benefit Ball. She secured
Kathy Orr as Chairman and Mrs. L. A. Nelson (Martha Len) as Vice
Chairman for the “Fine Arts Ball” which was held at the Civic Center in
February 1973. They raised $6,500 for the Denton Fine Arts Council, the
Community Theater, and the Community Choir.
Following the 1973 ball, Mmes. Floyd, Orr, and Nelson saw the need for continuing fund-raising support in the community. They invited the 1973 ball participants to a meeting and presented their ideas. This group endorsed the formation of an organization and committees were appointed to compose the structure. The By-Laws Committee was comprised of Mrs. Riley Robbins (Martha), Chairman, Mrs. W. R. Knight (Lynn), and Mrs. R. John Nelson (Lou). The Nominating Committee included Mary Claude Gay, Juliette Nichols, and Kathy Orr.
The next organizational meeting was held May 3, 1973, in the home of Juliette Nichols. By-Laws were adopted, the organization was named Denton Benefit League, and officers were elected. The first General Meeting was held May 21, 1973, in the home of Lou Nelson with over 100 members attending.
1973-74. “The Circus” Charity Ball was held March 2, 1974, at the Denton Civic Center. A souvenir date book was published and given to ball guests. The League granted $13,000 to Flow Memorial Hospital.
1974-75. The “Imperial Ball” was held March 8, 1975, at the Denton Civic Center, and a date book was published to raise additional funds. The League granted local charities $14,604.
1975-76. The “Williamsburg Ball” was held at UNT (formerly NTSU) Student Union on March 29, 1976. DBL’s first newspaper advertising supplement, a 32-page Tabloid, was published in connection with the ball. Charitable grants totaled $14,050. Member- ship totaled 160 Actives and 83 Associates. DBL’s volunteer service requirement was set. A gold charm with the DBL logo was presented to founder Maurine Floyd and the three former Presidents, and the custom was established of presenting a similar charm to the outgoing President each year.
1976-77. The “Gatsby Gala” Ball was held March 5, 1977, at UNT; 453 attended. The tabloid publication had 36 pages. Charitable grants totaled $20,339. Membership totaled 173 Actives, one Inactive, and 81 Associates. For the first time, a Fall Party was held for members.
1977-78. “Au Bal de Paris” was held March 4, 1978, at UNT. For the first time, a tea, “Paris in the Spring,” was held on the afternoon of the ball. A 48- page Tabloid was published. Charitable grants totaled $21,017. A Fall Party with a western theme was held. Active membership reached capacity.
1978-79. The “Star Whirl” Ball and Tea were held April 7, 1979, at UNT. A 48-page Tabloid was published. Charitable grants totaled $24,500. The Fall Party had a Halloween theme. There was a waiting list for Active membership. The Tabloid Committee was established as a separate Standing Committee; previously it was part of the Ball committee.
1979-80. The “Carnival in Rio” Ball and Tea were held April 12, 1980, at the Denton Civic Center. A 48-page Tabloid was published. Charitable Grants totaled $25,000. The Fall Party had a Mexican theme. Members reported 12,000 volunteer hours.
1980-81. The “Fantasia” Ball and Tea were held April 11, 1981, at the Denton Civic Center. A 48-page Tabloid was published. Charitable grants totaled $28,755. The Fall Party was a Barn Dance at the North Texas Fair Grounds. The DBL Woman’s Club Catering Project was developed to benefit historical preservation.
1981-82. A “Valentine Ball” and Tea were held
February 14, 1982, at UNT, and a 56- page Tabloid was published.
Charitable grants totaled $35,000. The Fall Party was a Germanfest. The
DBL booth at Spring Fling featured spin art. Grants totaling $2,250 were
made from funds raised by the Woman’s Club Catering Project.
1982-83. The “Candlelight Ball’ and Tea were held March 5, 1983, at UNT. A 56-page Tabloid was published. Charitable grants totaled $34,000. The Fall Party was a Mad Hatter’s Ball. The Spring Fling booth again featured spin art. Grants of $2,700 were approved from Catering Committee fundraising. Volunteer hours reported were 11,050.
1983-84. The “Avalon Court” Ball and “A Glimpse of Avalon” Preview Tea were held March 31, 1984, at UNT. A 64-page Tabloid was published. Charitable grants totaled $42,590. The Fall Party was a Texas Swing Dance. Volunteer hours reported were 19,762.
1984-85. The “Black and White Ball” and Tea Dance were held March 30, 1985, at UNT. A 64-page Tabloid was published. Charitable grants totaled $54,000. The Fall Party was a Luau. Funds raised from catering were added to the Project Research allocations. The Spring Fling booth included a book sale, ice cream stand, and wind sock sale. Volunteer hours reported were 11,918.
1985-86. The “Texas Heritage Ball” and Tea were held at UNT April 5, 1986. A 72-page Tabloid was published. Charitable grants totaled $49,540. The Fall Party had a Tailgate theme. A Sustaining membership classification was established. The second annual DBL luncheon and musical featured “A Slice of Texas Toast” by Donna Trammell. The Spring Fling booth featured ice cream, paper back books, and a cake walk. Volunteer hours reported were 17,000.
1986-87. The “Riverboat Ball” and “Showboat Tea Dance” were held at UNT April 4, 1987. Charitable grants totaled $55,800. A 72-page Tabloid was published. The Fall Party had a Halloween theme. The third annual DBL musical and luncheon featured “Dogs” written by Donna Trammell. There were 42 names on the waiting list for Active membership.
1987-88. The “Swing into Spring” Charity Ball and Tea Dance were held at TWU April 9, 1988. A 72-page Tabloid was published. Charitable grants totaled $61,855. A Fall Party was held. The spring fundraising luncheon at the Woman’s Club Building featured “The Ladies of Club Pandora” by Carol Lynn Mizell. DBL had two booths at Spring Fling. Volunteer hours reported were 28,025.
1988-89. The “Mystery at Chelsea Garden Ball” and
Tea were held at TWU on April 1, 1989. A 72-page Tabloid was published.
Charitable grants were $62,615. The Fall Party was “An Evening at the
Cock N’ Bull.” The first coffee for new members was held in the fall.
The spring fundraising luncheon and an evening performance featured
“Shakespeare Loved An Avon Lady” by Donna Trammell. DBL operated an ice
cream booth and a photo booth at Spring Fling. A brunch was added to the
May general meeting.
1989-90. A “Mardi Gras Ball” and Tea were held at TWU on March 24, 1990. An 80- page Tabloid was published. Charitable grants totaled $60,111. A Fall Party with a “Pat O’Brien’s” theme was held. The spring fundraising luncheon featured a musical program by the TWU Pops Ensemble. General Meetings moved to the CVA. Volunteer hours reported were 16,535.
1990-91. The “Starlight Charity Ball” and “Starlight Preview Tea” were held April 13, 1991, at TWU. An 80-page Tabloid was published. Charitable grants totaled $65,053. The Fall Party was a Barn Dance and Barbeque. The spring fundraising luncheon had a Valentine theme with program by Donna Trammell. A DBL newsletter was started. Active and Associate membership was at capacity. Volunteer hours reported were 25,000.
1991-92. The “Through the Looking Glass Ball” and “Mad Hatter’s Tea” took place April 4, 1992, at TWU. A “Piano Room” was added to the ball. An 88-page Tabloid was published. Charitable grants totaled $74,919. The Fall Party was “Fantasy Inn Land.” The Valentine Luncheon program by Donna Trammell was “SWAK-Sealed with a Kiss.” The Denton Arts Festival booth sold ice cream and Polaroid pictures. Volunteer hours reported were 22,000.
1992-93. The “Gypsy Carnival Ball” and “Organ Grinder’s Tea” were held March 27, 1993, at TWU. An 88-page Tabloid was published. Charitable grants totaled $82,867. The Fall Party had a Halloween theme. The spring fundraising luncheon featured Donna Trammell’s production “Red Hot Romance.” Two evening meetings were held for Associates. DBL added an Adopt-A-Spot project. Volunteer hours reported were 25,000.
1993-94. The “Mythical Magic” Charity Ball and “Pegasus Tea” were held at TWU on March 26, 1994. The 76-page Tabloid had an enlarged format. Charitable grants totaled $81,146. The Fall Party had a “Homecoming” theme. The Valentine Luncheon program was “Hit or Myth” by Donna Trammell. DBL operated ice cream and picture booths at the Denton Arts Festival. Volunteer hours reported were 23,531.
1994-95. “A Garden Party” Ball, and “A Garden Tea Party” were held on March 25, 1995, at TWU. A 76-page Tabloid was published. Grants totaled $65,362. The Fall Party had a “Luau” theme. The Valentine Luncheon featured The Trammell Group performing “Love It”. Total funds raised by DBL passed the $1.0 million mark. Funds raised for the year exceeded $100,000 for the first time, which included first-time ball underwriting of $17,000. The funding procedure for grants was changed so that funds raised one year are allocated the next. Volunteer hours reported were 25,417.
1995-96. “A Safari Night,” Ball and “High Tea on the Savannah” were held on March 9, 1996. An 88-page Tabloid was published. Grants totaling $100,000 were distributed to 33 organizations. The Fall Party had a “Country Fair” theme. The Valentine Luncheon program was “Love Notes” by The Trammell Group. DBL received $750 as the beneficiary of the Merrill Lynch Golf Classic. A spring luncheon was held for Sustaining members. Volunteer hours reported were 25,000.
1996-97. “The Royal Ascot Ball” and “Luncheon at Royal Ascot” were held at TWU on April 12, 1997. An 88-page Tabloid was published. Grants totaling $122,916 were given to 35 organizations. DBL received $5,200 from the second annual Merrill Lynch Golf Classic. The Denton Light Opera Company and the Ryan High School Clef Dwellers performed at the Valentine Luncheon. The Fall Party featured a “Cajun Cook-Off.” A New Year’s Eve Celebration was held at the Radisson Hotel. Volunteer hours reported were 21,968.
1997-98. “Silver Reflections,” Ball and Tea highlighting the Silver Anniversary year was held at TWU on April 18, 1998. An 88-page Tabloid was published. Grants totaled $135,000. The annual Merrill Lynch Golf Classic netted $8,190. The Denton Country Club was the setting for a special 25th anniversary luncheon celebration. An evening of dinner and Trammell Group show was held for Valentine’s Day. A New Year’s Eve Celebration was held at the Radisson Hotel. Volunteer hours reported were 21,000.
1998-99. “Putting on the Ritz” Ball and Brunch were held at TWU on March 27, 1999. An 88-page Tabloid was published. Grants totaled $132,755 to 38 organizations. The annual Merrill-Lynch Golf Classic netted $5,505. Members enjoyed a bus trip to Bass Hall for a Judy Collins concert. A Valentine dinner was held at the Denton Woman’s Club and entertainment was the Trammell Group. Volunteer hours reported were 20,000.
1999-00. “Soiree at the Speedway” Ball and Brunch were held at the Texas Motor Speedway on March 4, 2000, celebrating the millennium. Guests enjoyed the excite- ment of pace car rides around the track following the Brunch. Grants totaled $127,860 to 37 organizations. The Merrill Lynch Golf Classic netted $10,900. Members enjoyed a Valentine’s Day dinner held at the Women’s Club Building. A bus trip was arranged to see “Grease” at the Bass Hall. Volunteer hours reported were 22,625.
2000-01. The “Chinese Festival” Charity Ball and Tea were held at TWU on March 31, 2001. Grants totaled $128,000 to 39 organizations. Oktoberfest was the theme for the Fall Party. A combined meeting of Associate and Sustaining members was held. A spring luncheon for members and their guests at the Denton Country Club featured Neil Sperry as the speaker.
2001-02. The “Denim & Diamonds” Charity Ball and Brunch were held at TWU on April 6, 2002. A 96-page Tabloid was published netting $50,800. Ball Underwriting in- creased to $51,700. Grants totaled $139,492 to 40 organizations. A Fall Party, “Soft Jazz- Cool Autumn Nights” was held. The board approved a new timetable for the grant process with distribution in January. The golf tournament netted $8,000. Members brought cans of food to general meetings for the first time. A new member luncheon was held at the home of President Marilyn Gentry. Volunteer hours reported were 19,374.
2002-03. The “Crystal Charity Ball” was held at Texas Motor Speedway on April 12, 2003, celebrating DBL’s 30th anniversary. A 104-page Tabloid netted $70,000. Ball underwriting increased to $86,000 and the Thunderbird car raffle raised $13,000. A rummage sale cleaning out the DBL warehouse produced $5,000. The Fall Party, held at Denton Country Club featured 30 years of DBL photos. President Bette Sherman hosted the luncheon for new members in her home. A booklet entitled “Presidents’ Profiles” honored DBL’s past presidents. Group Projects were offered for the first time. DBL passed the $2.0 million mark in grants. Grants totaled $147,000 to 39 agencies; and Underwriters were invited to be present for the first time. A Marketing/PR Committee was formed for the first time. Volunteer hours reported were 29,214.
2003-04. The “New York, New York” Charity Ball was held on April 17, 2004, at the Doral Tesoro Hotel and Golf Club. Ball Underwriting increased to $92,000. A 104- page Tabloid raised $68,300. The CTS Cadillac car raffle netted $10,000. “Sensational Settings”, a new fall event held at Oakmont Country Club, featured 27 creative tables- capes and an engagement calendar raising $5,000. President Polly Diebel hosted the new member luncheon in her home. A new DBL brochure was designed; and the DBL website was developed. Grants totaled $192,572.67 to 46 recipients. Volunteer hours reported were 36,769.
2004-05. The “Bach to Rock” Charity Ball was held on April 9, 2005, at the Doral Tes- oro Hotel & Golf Club. Ball Underwriting increased to $106,000. A 104-page Tabloid raised $72,741. The Ford Mustang GT raffle netted $14,985. “Sensational Settings” was held at the Denton Country Club with 37 table designers and an engagement calendar raising $11,201. A New Member Orientation program was introduced. President He- lene Ramey hosted a new member luncheon in her home. Funds raised during the year exceeded $200,000 for the first time. Grants totaled $180,043 to 38 agencies. Volunteer hours reported were 35,769.
2005-06. The “Mediterranean Rendezvous and Casino de Monte Carlo” was held on March 25, 2006, at the Doral Tesoro Hotel & Golf Club. A golf tournament preceding the Ball was held. Ball Underwriting increased to $125,650. A casino with prizes as well as a live auction was offered for the first time at the ball. A 104-page Tabloid was published. “Sensational Settings” was held at the UNT Gateway Center. President Sharon Draper hosted the new member luncheon in her home. A “Members Only” section was added to the DBL website including the newsletter, member directories, commit- tee assignments and other information. Grants totaled $216,700 to 44 organizations. Volunteer hours reported were 35,590.
2006-07. The “Totally Texas” Charity Ball was held on March 31, 2007 at the Doral Tes- oro Hotel and Golf Club. The event offered a casino with prizes and both a silent and live auction. Underwriting grossed $141,350. The 30th Anniversary Tabloid featured 104 pages and netted $45,258. Sensational Settings was held in October at the Center for the Visual Arts. An Associates and Sustainers combined evening meeting was held. President Jo Ann Ballantine hosted the New Member Luncheon at El Guapo’s. Grants totalling $236,583.98 were distributed to 35 agencies. Volunteer hours reported were 33,610.
2007-08. “Toasting the Town, Celebrating 35 Years of DBL” was held on April 19, 2008 at the Marriott Hotel and Golf Club at Champion Circle. The event offered a diamond raffle and live auction. Ball underwriting grossed $154, 000 with a record 105 Underwriters. The tabloid featured 104 pages and netted $47,449. “Sensational Settings” was held at the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites. An Associates and Sustainers combined evening meeting was held. President Sandra Robinson hosted the New Member Luncheon at her home. Grants totalling $229,246.44 were distributed to 47 agencies, bringing the grand total for grants distributed since 1974 to $3,077,485.96. Volunteer hours reported were 29,748.
2008-09. “the Ball bright & BOLD” was held on April 18, 2009 with a return to TWU’s Hubbard Hall. The event featured a silent auction and a raffle for diamond earrings. Underwriting grossed $144,850, with a total of 111 underwriters The Tabloid contained 96 pages and netted $41,504. “Sensational Settings” was held in October at the Denton Country Club. An Associates and Sustainers’ evening meeting was held in February. President Debbie Vanderlaan hosted the New Member Luncheon in her home. Grants totalling a record $260,918 were distributed to 38 agencies, bringing the total since 1974 to $3,338,404. Volunteer hours reported were 30,327.
2009-10. The “Cherry Blossom Ball” was held on April 17, 2010, at TWU’s Hubbard Hall. The event featured a silent auction and a raffle for a diamond tennis bracelet. A fundraising party, “Kosmos and Kimonos with Keiichi”, was held in conjunction with the ball. Underwriting grossed $147,550, with a total of 106 underwriters. The 88-page Tabloid grossed $47,850. An evening meeting was held in February for Associates and Sustainers. President Kayla Swenson hosted the Mew Member luncheon in her home. Grants totaling $241,661were distributed to 40 agencies, bringing the total granted since 1974 to $3,580,065. Volunteer hours reported were 30,466. The very first Denton Benefit League cookbook, Deliciously Denton, was published with almost 800 recipes submitted by its members.
2010-11. “Masquerade” was held on March 26, 2011, at the Marriott at Champion’s Circle. The ball featured a silent auction and a raffle for a Rolex watch. “A Night in Venice,” a fundraising party previewed the ball. Underwriting grossed $149,050, with a total of 98 underwriters. The 88 page Tabloid grossed $54,560. Sensational Settings, held in October at Denton Country Club grossed $26,987. An evening meeting was held in February for Associates and Sustainers. A new event, Minor League – Kids in Motion, offered a service opportunity to members’ children and grandchildren. President Gail Graves hosted the New Member Luncheon at her home. Grants totaling $217,017 were given to 29 agencies, bringing the total granted since 1974 to $3,797,083. Volunteer hours reported were 35,738.
2011-12. The “Fire and Ice” Charity Ball was held on March 31, 2012 at the Marriott at Champions Circle. The evening featured a Texas Hold “Em casino, silent auction and raffle for a diamond bracelet and ring. A new feature for the ball was on-line purchase of tickets. Our event was also supported by 117 generous Underwriters. A beautiful 96 page tabloid was published. “Around the World in Eighty Days” was the theme for Sensational Settings held at Denton Country Club, featuring 30 designer tables. An evening meeting was held in February for our Associate and Sustaining members and a New Member luncheon was hosted by President Jackie Jackson in her home. Minor League – Kids in Motion held a second very successful event, opening up to the Denton community as well as DBL members and families. Grants totaling $250,761.50 were awarded to 41 nonprofit agencies, bringing the total granted since 1974 to $4,049,336.00. Members reported 27,284 volunteer hours.
2012-13. The “All That Jazz” Charity Ball was held on March 29, 2013 at the Marriott at Champions Circle. Theevening included a silent auction and raffle for a diamond bezel woman’s Rolex watch. The Ball was also supported by 111 generous Underwriters; their donations totaled $161,855. An 80 page tabloid was published featuring many archival DBL pictures and was distributed at the Ball as well as in the DRC. “A Royal Affair” was the theme for Sensational Settings held at Denton Country Club, featuring 30 designer tables. An evening meeting was held in February for our Associate and Sustaining members. A New Member luncheon was hosted by President Edene Riggs in her home. Minor League – Kids in Motion held a third annual event. DBL was honored to receive the 2013 Founders’ Award from Texas Woman’s University. DBL was also honored by Keep Denton Beautiful as the 2012 Outstanding Adopt a Spot in recognition of our continued work. DBL was a community partner with the Thin Line Film Festival for the presentation of the special premiere documentary, “Blood Brothers.”In May, we celebrated the 40th anniversary of DBL with a special evening event that featured a Donna Trammel show and ended with a congratulatory champagne toast. Grants totaling $216,260 were awarded to 40 nonprofit agencies, bringing the total granted since 1974 to $4,265,596. Members reported 24,018 volunteer hours.
2013-14. The “Under a Starlit Sky” Charity Ball was held March 29, 2014 in TWU’s Hubbard Hall with 435 in attendance. The evening included a silent auction and a raffle for a diamond ring. Underwriting donations totaled $169,500. Following the ball, a 100-page Tabloid was published. DBL’s fall fundraiser, also held in Hubbard Hall, was “Tea & Trumpets,” a festive afternoon tea on December 15, 2013 with 175 attending. In January, grants totaling $207,402 were distributed to 35 local nonprofit organizations, bringing total grants since 1974 to $4,472,998. Member photos were included in the DBL yearbook for the first time. In place of the usual Associate/Sustaining meeting, the February general meeting was held in the evening and included all membership classifications. In May the board entertained the year’s new members at an early-evening buffet in the president’s home. At The Salvation Army’s annual luncheon, DBL was presented with an award in appreciation for its community service. Volunteer hours reported by DBL members totaled 25,431 for the year.
2014-15. The “Bank Robbers Ball”, Charity Ball was held April 18, 2015 at the Dallas/Fort Worth Marriott Hotel & Golf Club. The evening included a raffle for an “Instant Wine Cellar” with 100 bottles of wine and a silent auction. The table centerpieces were detailed miniatures of the Denton County Bank building made by the ball chair and architect, Olivia Lilley. Entertainment was provided by the Emerald City Band, David Pierce in the Bob Rogers Piano Room and 1930’s tap choreography by the Rhythmic Souls. Underwriting donations totaled $175,500. Following the ball, a 94-page Tabloid was published. The Lantana Golf Club was the location of the DBL’s fall fundraiser, “Boots, Bling, & Bourbon,” which featured a Cigar Bar, tastings of Texas Bourbons, a raffle for designer cowboy boots and silver jewelry, and a silent auction on October 11, 2014. In January 2015, grants totaling $235,551.43 were distributed to 43 local nonprofit organizations, bringing total grants since 1974 to $4,708,549. In place of the usual Associate/Sustaining meeting, the “Den-town” Abbey Tea was held at the Denton Country Club on February 22, 2015. DBL members and their guests enjoyed Denton’s version of an English high tea based on the popular television series “Downton Abbey”. In May the board entertained the year’s new members at an early-evening wine and cheese party in the president’s home. On October 28, 2014 The Denton Commissioner’s Court opened an exhibit “The Denton Benefit League: Servicing the Needs of Others” at the Courthouse-on-the Square. The event opened with the reading of a resolution by Andy Eads, Commissioner Precinct 4. Volunteer hours reported by DBL members totaled 24,455 for the year.
2015-16. The “Mod About You” Charity Ball was held on April 23, 2016, at the UNT Union Ballroom at the University of North Texas. The 60’s-themed evening included a silent auction and a raffle for a custom-designed diamond and pearl necklace and earring set that featured the famous “peace” sign associated with the 1960’s. Music was provided by Vince Vance and the Valiants and David Pierce in the Bob Rogers Piano Room. Underwriting donations totaled $177,701, and there were 116 underwriters. The Tabloid, published following the ball, contained 98 pages. The fall fundraiser was “Boots, Bling & Bourbon” and was held at Lantana Golf Club on October 24, 2015. It featured live music, Texas bourbon tastings, and drawings for Texas-themed products such as custom-made cowboy boots. In January, grants totaling $245,930 were distributed to 44 local nonprofit organizations. DBL has distributed a total of $4,954,479 since 1974. The annual Associate/Sustaining Members meeting was held in February. A DBL Spring Tea was held on February 28, 2016, at the Woman’s Club Building in a beautiful spring garden setting. A reception for new members was held in April in the home of President Cathy Bryce. Volunteer hours reported by DBL members totaled 22,900.5 hours for the year.
2016-17. The “Shaken. Not Stirred.” Charity Ball was held on April 22, 2017, at the ballroom of the Texas Motor Speedway. The James Bond themed ball featured a silent auction and a raffle drawing for a custom designed diamond necklace. Musical entertainment was provided by the band Lime Light. Underwriting donations totaled $156,950 with 109 underwriters. The annual DBL Tabloid was distributed at the ball to guests as they left and in the Denton Record Chronicle on the morning following the ball. Our fall fundraiser, “Boots, Bling, & Bourbon”, was held at the Lantana Golf Club on October 22, 2016. This event featured country music, cigars, bourbon tastings, and a large raffle. In January, $252,292.00 was distributed to 44 different grant recipients. This year, DBL surpassed the $5 million mark. To date, DBL has granted $5,206,778 to numerous nonprofits in Denton County. The “Mad Hatter’s Tea” was held on February 26, 2017, at the Denton Country Club. The setting was whimsical and eclectic. Also in February, was the Associates and Sustainers meeting. A reception for new members was held in May in the home of President Melinda King. Volunteer hours reported by DBL members totaled 20,625 for the year.
2017-2018.“That’s Amore” Charity Ball was held on March 24, 2018, at the new Denton Embassy Suites and Convention Center. The elegant Italian themed evening included live and silent auctions. A new mobile bidding system was used and an unprecedented amount of money was raised. The live auction offered stateside and international trips and even a stunning diamond ring and earring set. Décor was exceptional with an abundance of beautiful fresh floral pieces of all heights and sizes. Music was provided by the Walton Stout Band – known as the best dance band in Dallas. It was the first time in DBL history that the ball band featured an all woman horn section. Underwriting donations totaled $173,600, and there were 119 underwriters. This year’s Tabloid had a new stylish look. For the first time in DBL history the updated Tabloid had a totally new design and format that was glossy and full color. The Fall Party was a new concept called “Costumes and Cocktails.” Members enjoyed the party being on the Denton Town Square at Aqua Dulce Mexican Kitchen. This fall there was a brand new Associate Member’s Reception in November at the home of member Jan Vann. The purpose was to get better acquainted. There was also another new event – a New Member Christmas Party in December at the home of member Carolyn Ferguson. It was a chance for new members to mix and mingle. In January, grants totaling $232,546 were distributed to 37 local nonprofit organizations. The meeting was a big celebration! This year we had new Grant Ambassadors to help guide the large amount of guests attending this meeting. DBL has distributed a total of $5,439,324 since 1974. There was also a first time special edition newsletter dedicated to more details about the grant recipients and what they were receiving. The annual Associate/Sustaining Members meeting was held in February at the home of member Debbie Smatresk. There was a video created and played of an interview with our last living founder, Martha Len Nelson. The year ended in May by celebrating DBL’s 45th Anniversary and honoring co-founder Martha Len Nelson. It was called the “Sapphire ChariTEA.” It was a sellout event with local celebrity and guest speaker Rose-Mary Rumbley. Opera Singer and member, Bunny Hodges, sang and was accompanied by pianist, Mark Graham. This was a very special time for DBL members and guests as it was the last event at the historic Hubbard Hall. This year’s focus was on marketing DBL as the Denton population continues to grow. DBL’s annual springtime reception for new members, with the old and new board, was held at the home of President, Terri Guthrie. Volunteer hours reported by DBL Members totaled 22,535 hours for the year.
2018-19. The “Putting on the Glitz” Charity Ball was held on April 4, 2019 at the Dallas/ Fort Worth Marriott Hotel & Golf Club. The evening included a raffle, live and silent auctions. In10City provided a wonderful variety of music throughout the evening. Underwriting totaled $175,370 with 119 Underwriters. The annual DBL Tabloid was distributed at the ball to guests as they left and in the Denton Record-Chronicle on the morning following the ball. In January, grants totaling $240,990 were distributed to 35 local nonprofit agencies, bringing the total amount distributed to $5,680,309. The annual Associate/Sustaining Members Meeting was held in February. The Kentucky Derby themed Charitea was held on March 3, 2019. In May a reception for new members was held in the home of President Sheryl Goodson. DBL was also recognized by the Denton County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta as the Outstanding Community Sponsor and was a CARA recipient from the Greater Denton Arts Council. Volunteer hours reported by DBL members totaled 22,383.35.
2019-20. The “There’s No Place Like Home” Charity Ball brought on a whole new meaning this year! We did have to stay home, and instead of having our annual Charity Ball due to COVID 19, we had an online auction and still raised $25,609.63. This year we had an amazing 123 Underwriters that helped us reach a record high by raising $175,899.50! In addition, our outstanding in-kind pledges totaled $5,187. The full color DBL Tabloid raised $27,647, and it was distributed on April 5 in the Denton Record-Chronicle as well as the digital version on its website. The grants, totaling $207,105, were distributed at the January general meeting to 35 local nonprofit agencies. This brings the total grant amount to $5,887,414 over the last 47 years. The annual Associate/Sustaining Members Meeting was held in February at the lovely home of Darlene McNatt. The Fall event, Drinks, Clinks, and Denton Links, was held at the historic Denton Country Club. The Denton Abbey Tea transformed Steve’s Wine Bar into a lovely English garden with hydrangeas and greenery on March 1, 2020. Even though opportunities for volunteering for our DBL members were minimized, 13,346.45 hours were recorded. The pandemic that touched everyone around the world made each of us reflect on the important role DBL has in Denton and the surrounding communities and the effect it has on the nonprofits we support.
2020-21. We started the year thinking we would make a few changes and try to get away from the saying “We’ve always done it this way”! We had NO idea how true this statement would be in 2020!!! We were able to have 2 in person General meetings but after that – it was all ZOOM meetings until May 2021!!! We did not let the pandemic stop us in our fundraising efforts! In October we hosted the first annual Sip and Shop at the Monroe Pearson Event center with 30 local Artisan vendors and custom cocktails and were able to raise over $2,500. In January, Grants totaling $248,093.10 were mailed out to 38 agencies in Denton County bringing our overall Grant total to $6,140,466.54!!! Later that month we set up a photo opportunity for the agencies at the Discover Denton Visitor Center and had 18 of the agency representatives participate!! The Underwriting committee secured $103,025.57 from 81 underwriters with $5,500 being In-Kind donations. The annual DBL Tabloid was distributed in May via the DRC, as well as, digitally with 76 beautiful color pages that included seven Hero Stories from DBL members. We were not able to have committee photos taken this year – so we featured member photos in the tabloid and had a page for our new members, as well. Even with Covid – our DBL members were out and about volunteering where they could with over 5,500 hours reported! Although we were not able to hold the annual Ball, we held an online auction in May and combined with the Raffle ticket and mask sales the Ball Committee raised over $11,600 to be added for our Grants in 2021-2022. All in All, we worked together as a team and made 2020-2021 a year to remember..for the GOOD!!!
2021-22. While still dealing with the Pandemic, our plans had to be flexible throughout the year! We were able to hold every General Meeting in-person but also offered a zoom option. We held the fall event, “Sip N’Shop”, at the Monroe Pearson event center. This was the second year in a row for this event. In the spring, we hosted our annual tea at the Denton Woman’s Club Building to honor those that called us to serve our community. At our February meeting, we gave out $162,223.72 in Grants bringing the total in Grants given in 49 years to over $6,302,690.26! We celebrated our Denton Heroes at the newly renovated TWU Hubbard Hall on April 9, 2022. This was the first in-person ball that Denton Benefit League was able to have since the spring of 2019!!! It was a sight to be seen. Attendees danced the night away to the musical stylings of Melange. The Silent Auction brought in $27,030 to be used towards grants in the following year! Our Underwriting committee secured $141,000 in commitments. The annual tabloid was distributed in the Denton Record Chronicle, as well as, electronically in April. This beautiful publication featured 74 pages of photos, including 6 hero stories. While our community was still recovering from the pandemic, our members continued to serve the community, reporting a total of 3,482.25 in hours this year – bringing the total hours volunteered over 49 years to 876,396.20! Our community has many needs and our members continue to rise to the challenge!