Mansfield Cares rocks with Masquerade Ball

More than 200 attendees partied at Mansfield Cares’ annual charity ball – and wore some more entertaining masks. The ball, held Feb. 26 at Walnut Creek Country Club, raised more than $140,000, which will be donated to local charities.

“I think it was fantastic,” said Suzy Herrmann, president of Mansfield Cares. “People were so giving and ready to have fun, let loose and support a great cause while doing it.”

Auctioneer John Pressley took bids on trips, jewels and even a puppy to help raise funds, while party-goers bid on silent auction items, danced to the Good Question Band and dined on seafood, prime rib and hors d’oeuvres. The ball also included a wine pull, split the pot and heads or tails games to raise funds. Donations and sponsorships added to the total.

The funds will be distributed throughout the year to local food pantries, Feed the Kids summer program, shoes for kids to go back to school in the fall and more than a dozen college scholarships for graduating seniors.