HERNANDO — The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi held its 21st annual Crystal Ball Gala, a virtual event, on Jan. 16 at 6:30 p.m., and a replay of the entire event is available to view at https://e.givesmart.com/events/iKV/page/crystalball2021/.
The Foundation introduced the theme, ROLL ON MISSISSIPPI, a Charley Pride hit song.
While this was the Community Foundation’s first virtual gala, due to COVID-19 precautions, it was full of surprises and showcased the charitable works taking place in northwest Mississippi.
There were special appearances by Ken Burns, Bob Pittman, Sela Ward, Archie Manning, Steve Azar, Sam and Mary Haskell, Darius Rucker, Brad Paisley, Marty Stuart, Bobby Rush, Oak Ridge Boys, Mickey Gilley, Lee Greenwood and more.
Entertainment featured musical performances by Curt Chambers and Charlie Worsham.
This star-filled lineup paid their respects to the late Charley Pride, who accepted the Star of Hope honor in October and unfortunately passed away in mid-December. This was the first time to posthumously honor a Star of Hope.
“While we are deeply saddened by Charley Pride’s passing, we want to pay tribute to the indelible mark that he has left on Mississippi, country music, and our culture. Mr. Pride was Mississippi through and through: ambitious, hardworking, trailblazing, and an endearing soul,” said Michael Bellipanni, Crystal Ball co-chair. “My earliest memory of Charley Pride’s music and personality was his appearance on Austin City Limits. As a young child, I spent time with my grandparents in Tutwiler, Mississippi. Just outside of town on Highway 3, there was a sign recognizing the home of Charley Pride. My Paw Paw would tell me about this famous singer from the Mississippi Delta and how big of a star he had become.” Bellipanni reminisces. “I can vividly remember sitting in my grandfather’s lap on a Saturday night watching Mr. Pride’s performance on Austin City Limits.”
Honoring Community Stars the night of Crystal Ball has been a tradition that continued with the online event. The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi recognized the 2020 Community Stars and outstanding volunteers who have shown community spirit in the following categories:
• Bob Dunlap, of Batesville, Dan Maddox Man of the Year
• Robin Cocke, of Clarksdale, Margaret Maddox Woman of the Year
• Heartland Hands Food Pantry, of Southaven, Non-Profit of the Year
• Wade, Incorporated, of Greenwood, Business of the Year
The Crystal Ball virtual, world-premiere event benefitted more than 800 nonprofits through the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi and annually raises $195,000 in support of nonprofits in the 11-county service region. Over the past 20 years, the Crystal Ball has helped to provide over $27 million grants to benefit over 800 nonprofits and charitable causes.
The Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi manages 240 donor-established funds. Established in 2002 with a generous grant from the Maddox Foundation, the Community Foundation is an independent 501(c)3 charitable organization serving Bolivar, Coahoma, DeSoto, Leflore, Marshall, Panola, Quitman, Sunflower, Tallahatchie, Tate and Tunica counties. A board of 19 volunteer civic leaders governs the Community Foundation.
Learn more about the Community Foundation at www.cfnm.org or call 662-449-5002. Follow the Community Foundation on Facebook at facebook.com/CFNM315, Twitter at @CFNM_2002, YouTube at CFNM2002, and Instagram at CFNM2002.
