Greg Mason, director of Fraternity/Sorority Housing and Development, served as Table Sales Chair for the sold out 2011 Headdress Ball. Now in its 22nd year, Headdress Ball was created back in 1989 as a small floral headdress competition and fundraiser by local interior designers Sam Ewing and Hattie Wolfe. Over the years, it has transformed into one of the top black-tie galas in Central Florida. With the reputation as “Orlando´s Most Outrageous Charity Gala” it has become the highlight of Orlando’s social season.
This year’s event was at the Hilton Orlando on September 17. Under the leadership of Mason and his table sales team, the event sold out nearly two weeks prior. Over 1,000 people attended this year’s Headdress Ball, which was themed “Circus, One Evening Under the Big Top” and featured performances by Jessica Sutta, a former member of the Pussycat Dolls. Wendy Chioji, former news anchor of WESH-TV, served as the “official” mistress of ceremonies. Guests were dazzled with a Las Vegas-style show, gourmet dinner, live and silent auctions, magnificent Headdress competition and so much more. The event benefits Hope and Help, Central Florida’s largest HIV/AIDS agency. All proceeds benefit the agency´s life-saving programs and services.
The table sales committee exceeded their goal by selling over $260,000 of tables. In the end, Headdress Ball netted $305,000, smashing their goal. Maggie King, development director for Hope and Help states, “Greg has been the backbone of the Table Sales Committee for Headdress Ball, the agency’s largest fundraiser. He is a master at cultivating donors and building strong relationships in the community.”
This is Mason’s fourth consecutive year to serve in the leadership role as Table Sales Chair. Rob Domenico, Chairman of this year’s Headdress Ball states, “Over the past four years, we have been fortunate enough to have Greg Mason dedicate his time and resources to our mission. Under his leadership, he has consistently exceeded our attendance goal which allowed us to meet or exceed our fundraising goals. Greg takes his responsibilities to heart and is known in our organization as a vital member of our team.”
Since the inception of the event in 1989, Headdress ball has raised more than $3 million dollars for the Central Florida neighbors in need. Next year’s event will be held on Oct. 6, 2012.
Fraternity/Sorority Housing and Development is in the Division of Student Development and Enrollment Services.