The room was flooded with students. Dresses of red, blue, gold, and silver filled the dance floor while everyone waited with anticipation for the final reveal. Heads were turned towards the main staircase as PrezVP ascended up the stairs, a large check in-hand covered by a black tarp. The excitement within the crowd grew, and the sound of voices echoed within the hall. It seemed as though the noise wouldn’t die down until the voice announcing the final amount rang throughout the room. The crowd suddenly erupted in cheer and applause. People were jumping up and down and smiles and laughter filled everyone’s faces. The only thing that flashed in my mind was, “We did it.”
Most people see the presentation of the check as the end of the Enloe Charity Ball season. We had achieved our final goal, and that was it. We got the donations, raised the money, and ran ourselves to the max to celebrate the final presentation at the Ball. And though the donations are a driving factor, it isn’t the reason why so many people of the Enloe community and myself are inspired and dedicated to the cause.
Rather, it is the end and impact that not many people see. In 2017, it was the starting of construction for the new facility at the Raleigh Wake Partnership to End and Prevent Homelessness. In 2018, it was the aid of programs for young adults who have autism through the Autism Society of North Carolina.
With the end in mind, it’s not the money that inevitably shows the true meaning behind Charity Ball. It’s the hours spent at South East Raleigh Promise helping elementary school kids with their homework or cheering them on during their enrichment activities. It’s the 54% of children that live at or below the poverty line that are impacted by SERP’s promise to the community.
Enloe Charity Ball is a beacon to so many people about the small things that lead up to the end. And to me, the end is the lasting impact.
Jenna Constantino
Flex Officer
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