Unmasking the future at Boys & Girls Club’s Masquerade Ball

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware held its 11th annual Masquerade Ball, “Unmask a Child’s Future,” Feb. 22 at the Lighthouse Cove Event Center in Dewey Beach. 

The event drew 170 guests and raised a total of $165,000 this year, pushing the all-time event total over $1 million. The money will directly benefit youth programs at Sussex County’s Boys & Girls Clubs.

Following a cocktail reception and three-course dinner, Delaware BGC President and CEO John Wellons presented the Terry Megee Great Futures Award, which is given each year to individuals who serve as role models in their community through exceptional community contributions and positive local impact. The award took on the namesake of its first recipient, Terry Megee, after his death in 2023.

This year, the award was presented to Staci Hammonds and Erica Tull, who’ve served as co-chairs of the masquerade ball committee for the past seven years. Under their guidance, the event has doubled in size and has become one of Sussex County’s top nonprofit events. This was their final year as co-chairs.

The event also featured auctions and opportunities to help fund a child’s enrollment in a Boys & Girls Club program.

To end the night, guests hit the dance floor for a lively performance by the Blue Label Band.