Junior Auxiliary of Greenville members Sarah Ozbun and Maddison Bruton told Greenville Rotary on Thursday that this year’s Junior Auxiliary Charity Ball is both a black-tie tradition and the engine that funds a slate of hands-on projects for local children.
Rotary program
Speaking on behalf of Junior Auxiliary of Greenville president Catherine Weaver, Ozbun said the women’s service organization is “rolling up our sleeves” in schools, foster homes and youth programs while also preparing for its largest and only fundraiser of the year. Bruton, a six-year active member in her final year of service and chairman of the 2026 Charity Ball, outlined how proceeds underwrite 15 projects that reach more than 1,000 children in Washington County.
Ball details
The 2026 Junior Auxiliary Charity Ball, themed “Through the Looking Glass,” will be held Feb. 20 at the Greenville Golf and Country Club, with a royal presentation at 6 p.m. and a reception beginning at 7 p.m. The event is black tie and remains a cherished social tradition in Greenville, but Ozbun emphasized that “it’s how we fund our mission,” with every dollar going back into programs for local children and families.
Royalty and court
Bruton said one of the most distinctive features of the evening is the royal presentation, when a confidential committee reveals a king and queen selected for their service, leadership and dedication to the community. The royal court is made up of children of Junior Auxiliary life members, who are presented at milestones in kindergarten, third grade, eighth grade and their senior year of high school, underscoring the organization’s multigenerational roots.
Service projects
Ozbun described Junior Auxiliary of Greenville as a nonprofit focused on charity, youth, health, leadership and service, founded locally in 1941 after two Greenville physicians and Delta Democrat-Times editor Louise Crump rallied women to help underprivileged children. Today, 48 active members support projects such as Amy’s Children for foster youth, Book Buddies at the public library, Boys and Girls Club mentoring, Camp Looking Glass, school support initiatives, and seasonal efforts like Holiday Helpers and the Giving Tree.
Call to participate
The speakers urged Rotarians to support the ball by buying tickets, becoming sponsors, partnering on service projects and helping spread the group’s mission that “investing in children is investing in the future of our community.” Ozbun said Junior Auxiliary’s motto, “caring hearts, helping hands, changing lives,” reflects the emotional impact members feel when they see local children respond to consistent support and encouragement.
