Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort donated $30,000 to MANNA FoodBank’s Blue Jean Ball that was held on June 1 at MANNA headquarters in Asheville.
For the past 30 years, MANNA has been serving Western North Carolina by providing food to area agencies for distribution. The Blue Jean Ball, this year themed “Putting it on the Table, 30 Years Deep,” is one of MANNA’s largest fundraising events.
“MANNA has been one of our community partners for years, and we fully support its mission and values,” Janna Hyatt, Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort community relations specialist, said. “The Blue Jean Ball is a fun way for community members to come together and raise a lot of money for a great cause.”
The $30,000 donation was used to fund the Blue Jean Ball and will also be used for MANNA’s fall fundraiser, Empty Bowls, and the organization’s 30th Anniversary Celebration.
A DJ, live music, and an 80s dance group entertained a crowd of nearly 900 at this year’s event. More than 20 area restaurants, including Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort’s Chefs Stage, served bite-sized culinary creations.
The Blue Jean Ball is not just a fundraiser. Each year, the event brings together businesses and people from across the area. Food, equipment, and labor are all donated, and more than 100 volunteers work at the event.
– Harrah’s Cherokee
