Annual Ballantyne Ball Helping Lots Of Charlotte Charities

When I first started on-air in radio in Columbia, S.C., I was working for a top 40 station. We would often host and attend galas and balls. Getting all dressed up once in a while is so much fun! If you enjoy dressing up and helping folks, then this year's Ballantyne Ball may be an event you need to attend. And this event is a bit different from other galas and balls because there's some mystery involved.

The first ball was in 2015, and annually this Valentine's weekend ball is at The Ballantyne Hotel. The cool thing about this event is that it's a masquerade ball! Each year a different local charity is chosen, and the charity is 'unmasked' during the Valentine's weekend ball. How awesome is that?!  This ball has helped The Isabella Santos Foundation, The Relatives, Madelyn's Fund, and Lily Pad Haven, just to name a few.

Now, I have someone that's 'in' on the planning of the event. This year's event is recognizing HopeWay. They are focused on helping adolescents struggling with addiction and mental health. This is such a worthy cause as both are big concerns. Helping those in our community with a night of fun is so worth it.

If you and your significant other are planning to go out for Valentine's Day, why not buy tickets to the ball! You can have an amazing night out, while you're helping to raise funds for HopeWay. You can dress up and do something good!

Anxiety and depression began for me in the 80's. I was 16 years old and it wasn't something you talked about to anyone. Not parents or friends. Because I didn't know how to deal with it, I developed other issues. I was anorexia when I was 17, and I began drinking heavily at a young age. My wakeup call almost didn't happen as I overdosed at 19. Luckily, my roomie found me in time, and I made it. Unfortunately, many kids do not.

Mental illness and issues as well as addiction needs to be something addressed in our communities. The stigma needs to go away. Many times, anxiety and depression and substance abuse go hand in hand. HopeWay is expanding and they will be offering mental health treatment for middle school and high school students. In addition, they'll offer eating disorder treatment for teens and young adults. HopeWay also offers treatment for Veterans with PTSD, and for adults as well.

Give back while attending a festive masquerade ball for Valentine's Day weekend. The ball is Saturday, February 10, at The Ballantyne Hotel. There are still some tickets available that you can purchase here. 

Guys, Valentine's Day is fast approaching. Do you need a little help? If you want to send your significant other flowers this year the time is now to place your order. Do not wait until the day before, it won't end well! Whether you want them delivered at work or bring them home to her, you need to plan ahead. So if you want to spoil her with flowers but don't know where to start that's where I'm here to help. Charlotte North Carolina has a multitude of local flower shops for you to choose from and get the perfect bouquet or arrangement.

Below you'll find 14 Charlotte Flower shops in different areas of the city. Some offer delivery or curbside pickup options. Others allow in-studio shopping. But each offers beautiful customer floral designs. Browse through these and you're sure to see something that will make her feel special this Valentine's Day. Or if you really want to knock it out of the park send a just-because flower arrangement. I can guarantee that will make her day just because it's unexpected. And another helpful piece of Valentine's Day advice- she doesn't want heart-shaped jewelry. Trust me on that one. Happy Valentine's Day!

Service options: In-store shopping · In-store pickup · Delivery

Address: 2000 South Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203

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Service options: In-store shopping · Curbside pickup · Delivery

Address: 1421 Emerywood Dr, Charlotte, NC 28210

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Service options: In-store shopping · Curbside pickup · Delivery

Address: 910 Pecan Ave, Charlotte, NC 28205

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Service options: In-store shopping · Curbside pickup · Delivery

Address: 6530 Freedom Dr Suite A, Charlotte, NC 28214

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Service options: In-store shopping · Delivery

Address: 13534 Plaza Rd Extension, Charlotte, NC 28215

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