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Applicant Orientation Set For September 14th/Applications Available Online September 1st

Dallas, TX - Aileen Pratt, 2012 Crystal Charity Ball Chairman and Vinnie Reuben, Charity Selection Chairman, has announced applications will be accepted for next year's grants beginning September 1st. Representatives from Dallas County children's charities are encouraged to attend a brief prospective application orientation at 9:00 a.m. on September 14th at the Communities Foundation of Texas offices at 5500 Caruth Haven Lane. Attendance is not mandatory, but is strongly encouraged as guidelines for applicants have been updated.

Applications will be available on line, beginning September 1st, at crystalcharityball.org or by calling The Crystal Charity Ball office at 214/526-5868, ext. 18. All applications must be mailed or hand-delivered. (Applications are not accepted via email). The deadline is October 31st at 4:00 p.m.

Requirements for interested charities are:

- The agency must serve children in Dallas County

- The agency must have had a 501 (c) (3) designation for at least three years

- The agency must have had an office in Dallas County for three years

- The agency must have provided services in Dallas County for at least three years

Since 1952, the sole purpose of The Crystal Charity Ball has been to aid, support and make contributions to children's charities in Dallas County.

As a nonprofit organization, independent of any national affiliation, members of The Crystal Charity Ball Committee have raised more than $100 million for more than 100 worthy beneficiaries over the past 59 years.

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In 2011, the 100 active members of The Crystal Charity Ball Committee committed to raise $4,265,030. These funds will support eight commendable Dallas organizations and give children hope for a healthier more productive future.

The generous spirit of Underwriters, Children's Book participants, Silent Auction and Special Gift donors, and Contribution Ticket patrons will help turn promises into reality for children served by The Crystal Charity Ball. On December 3, 2011, the committee members will hold a beautiful, elegant gala to honor these philanthropic donors.