The mission of Enloe High School’s Student Council, according to Student Body President Malone Bridgers, is to “inspire and impact our community through innovative, student-led solutions stemming from our work with local nonprofits.” Led by committee members who refer to themselves as the Big Five — Bridgers; Penny Choy, VP of Service; Mimi Sonawane, VP of Publicity; Joelle Park, VP of Logistics; and Jiya Shu Bhure, VP of Finance — the Student Council will do all the “typical” things planned by a student government but set themselves apart with Enloe Charity Ball.
What are the origins of the ball?
In 2004, Enloe High School hosted the first Enloe Charity Ball. To connect students to their community through service and individual talents, Student Council members organized the ball and silent auction. Since then, Enloe Charity Ball has raised nearly $1.7 million to support nonprofits serving the greater Enloe community. Previous beneficiaries include Southeast Raleigh Promise (2019), Haven House (2021), Alliance Medical Ministry (2022), and Neighbor to Neighbor (2023).
Can you give us a sneak peek of this year’s ball, on December 14 at Marbles Kids Museum?
It’s a magical night! Attendees enjoy dancing and celebration and, through ticket purchases, campaign to better the greater Enloe community. At 9 p.m., the Big Five presents a check to our beneficiary, which makes the almost three months of late-night FaceTimes, hundreds of emails, and planning of numerous fundraising events worthwhile. We get to celebrate alongside the people we’ve worked tirelessly with over the course of the Charity Ball season and share with everyone what the money will be used for!
How do you select beneficiaries?
Each spring, there is a thorough grant application process in which we read letters of interest, study applications, and visit potential beneficiaries. We assess applicants on five core values: equity, relatability, impact, communication, and accessibility. We select the nonprofit that we believe best embodies these values.
This year, we selected CASA as our 2024 beneficiary and have set an ambitious goal of $170,000 to support their new development, King’s Ridge. Located just five minutes from Enloe, the development consists of 100 units for individuals and families who live with disabilities, have a history of homelessness, or possess insufficient credit for conventional housing. It’s a one-of-a-kind development that will include supportive services like case management, a medical clinic, mental health counseling, and more. We are inspired by CASA’s mission to provide access to stable, affordable housing for people who are homeless or at risk. Families at King’s Ridge will not only live near Enloe but also have future Enloe Students.
The Enloe Charity Ball has raised nearly $1.7 million for charities since 2004. Previous donation checks hang on the school wall.
Aside from the ball, how do you support the chosen beneficiary?
Throughout the Charity Ball season, October to December, we raise funds and awareness for the selected beneficiary and engage the student body in fundraising events like a basketball tournament, Trunk or Treat events, and caroling for donations. We also facilitate conversations about our beneficiary’s mission and uplift and showcase their work through our newsletters, volunteer work, and social media content.
The process for granting the funds takes time, so we collaborate with the beneficiary beyond our ECB timeline. We also maintain connections with past beneficiaries through social events, our volunteering efforts, and by sharing their stories for years to come through our website.
How do you determine fundraising goals?
As part of our application process, we ask nonprofits to share the amount they hope to be granted. They disclose where the money will go and share an updated 990 Form, so we know what the funds would be used for. Once the applicant has made it through to the site visit part of our process, we discuss their goals and what might be attainable and realistic for our collaboration.
As a student-led organization, do you face challenges?
One of the challenges is balancing a rigorous course load with the responsibilities that come with raising hundreds of thousands of dollars in three months. All students take numerous college-level courses, participate in athletics and other clubs, and work part time.
We have five amazing faculty advisors, including Enloe Charity Ball Fund director and chair Sarah Bailey. Each advisor assists different committees and initiatives and takes care of the things that students can’t. For example, Ms. Bailey is the executor of our fund and will sign the check for CASA on December 14.
What are the levels of partnership?
Green Level Donor ($100 to $499): featured on Enloe Charity Ball donor banner.
Teal Level Donor ($500 to $999): featured on Enloe Charity Ball donor banner, two Enloe Charity Ball donor reception tickets, and name or logo listed on Enloe Charity Ball website.
2004 Club ($1,000 to $4,999): Teal Level perks plus two additional Enloe Charity Ball donor reception tickets and logo placement on Enloe Charity Ball website.
Top Flight Club ($5,000 to $9,999): 2004 Club perks plus four additional Enloe Charity Ball donor reception tickets, acknowledgment in press releases, and special thanks during Enloe Charity Ball presentation.
Legacy Club ($10,000+): Top Flight Club perks plus recognition in press interviews and all media created by Enloe Charity Ball.
Enloe High School’s Student Big Five, from left, Joelle Park, VP of Logistics; Mimi Sonawane, VP of Publicity; Malone Bridgers, Student Body President; Penny Choy, VP of Service; and Jiya Shu Bhure, VP of Finance.
How can the community support you?
The best way to support our mission is through donations. Tax-deductible donations can be made online at enloecharityball.org or by check made out to “Enloe Charity Ball Fund” and mailed to Enloe High School care of Sarah Bailey, Director and Chair of the Enloe Charity Ball Fund. The ball is open to any Wake County high school student.
How do you ensure that the work of the Council continues?
The most important aspect involves building younger students’ passion and energy for Enloe Charity Ball and our mission; it’s essential to our success and growth. Although we are hard at work, our fundraising events involve the entire student body and are always a fun time.
What advice do you have for students looking to make a positive community impact?
Be confident and never underestimate the power of your voice. In Enloe Charity Ball’s first fundraising cycle, we raised $2,000. As we have created new fundraising events and seen an increase in our notoriety, the amount we have raised has steadily increased. Council members have always been confident in their mission to inspire positive, meaningful change — we have never underestimated the power of a group of high schoolers using their voices!
Any upcoming events?
Throughout the fundraising season, Enloe Charity Ball hosts events ranging from kickball tournaments and caroling to silent auctions and galas. To keep up with us, follow @enloecharityball on Instagram and Facebook!
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