Droves of Winnemuccans donned their most beautiful outfits for an evening on the town last Friday for the Fourth Annual Mayor’s Ball. The Ball began as a fundraising event for Winnemucca Domestic Violence Services (WDVS).
Swags of white fabric swooped across the ceiling while locals dressed to the nines swirled below. Those in attendance included local politicians, business owners, members of the media, law enforcement and many others with an eye for a good time for a good cause.
Senator Dean Heller issued a certificate in honor of Mayor Di A An Putnams' services in support of WDVS. WDVS Board Chair JoAnn Casalez presented the certificate to Putnam.
The mayor said she was happy to participate again this year, she said. She’d been involved with the program since its inception, and has served on its board. “This is just a great way to support them, where everybody can support them and also have a whole lot of fun,” Putnam said. “This is an awesome event. They do an awesome job putting it on. Even more important, they do an awesome job doing what they do, providing this service for the community.”
Dinner, dancing and a silent auction made up the evening's events.
Roughly 175 people joined in the fun, according to Winnemucca Domestic Violence Services Program Director Stephanie Johnson.
The silent auction included several themed baskets, metal signs, tickets to Disneyland, a quilt that was handmade by Putnam and an American flag donated by Senator Dean Heller.
Between donations, ticket sales and the proceeds of the silent auction, Johnson estimates that the event raised about $9,000 for WDVS.
Johnson thanked and recognized WDVS volunteers for their help. These included: Jenna Owen, Jeanie Radmanovich, Julianna Obregon, Dulce Obregon, Hannah Bishop-Moser and Sarah Bilant.
“I’m so thankful to the community and how much they support WDVS tonight and throughout Domestic Violence Awareness Month and all year long. Because that’s how we’re able to do so much and offer so many programs and help so many people,” Johnson said. “It’s the community that’s helping all of these victims, just using WDVS to do so.”
