Spring is in the air and Charity Circle's premiere fundraising events, The Ugly Duckling Ball and Patron's Party planners are busy at work to create their most beautiful, most successful soirees in the organization's 110-year history.

Mark your calendars now to attend the Patron's Party on Saturday, April 18 and the "Duck Ball," Murfreesboro's first and longest-running local charity ball, a week later on Saturday, April 25.

"Last year's events were so much fun with great food and music, and were the most successful ever," said Duck Ball Chair Lindsey Jennings. "Thanks to the graciousness of event guests, Charity Circle granted $120,000 to numerous local nonprofits from the proceeds of the two events. We have the momentum through the generosity of our patrons, to direct even more to those who need it the most."

To kick-off Duck Ball season and celebrate our most generous donors who contribute at the $1,000 level and above, Patron's Party Chairs, Ellen Willson and Cathy Ownby invite patrons to "A Gracious Garden Gathering" at the Oakleigh home of Dr. John and Julie Zubkus. At the Saturday, April 18 event guests will be treated to decadent Southern fare lovingly prepared by Charity Circle members, framed by beautiful floral displays provided by Murfreesboro Flower Shop's David Lynn.

"We will carry on the garden theme to the grand, black-tie Duck Ball through the décor and even into the elegant sit-down dinner hosted at Stones River Country Club," said Jennings. "Sp8 Band will take the stage after dessert and I expect a big time will be had by all dancing to their high energy performance."

Charity Circle distributed $436,000 to thirty-five local agencies in 2019 directed towards food, clothing, shelter and medicine-insecurity needs. Funds are distributed quarterly to nine ongoing Rutherford County non-profits: Child Advocacy Center, Community Helpers of Rutherford County, Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault, Doors of Hope, Good Shepherd Children's Home, Ann Campbell Early Learning Center, NOURISH Food Bank, Special Kids Therapy & Nursing Center, and The Journey Home.

To sponsor the Patron's Party, contact Mary Elam Polk at maryelam@bellsouth.net A $1,000 sponsorship includes two reservations for the Patron's Party and two tickets to the Duck Ball. Tickets for the Duck Ball are $200 a person. For reservations, contact Joyce Taylor at joycehtaylor@yahoo.com.

For more information about Charity Circle, visit charitycirclemboro.com.