All funds have been tallied and it appears that this year's Mayors' Shamrock Ball donation to Valley Industries Sheltered Workshop will be approximately $3,000 more than last year's total.

More than 400 tickets were sold and 52 event sponsors were recruited for this year’s 5th annual ball, which occurred on March 3. This netted $27,000 for Valley Industries to help the company continue its mission of providing dignified, meaningful employment for adults with development disabilities.

Hazelwood Police chief and Shamrock Ball Event chairman, Carl Wolf, said it would not have been possible without community support.

“This speaks volumes about the tremendous support we received from the community and local businesses for Valley Industries,” he said. “Despite a down economy, it was great to see that we surpassed our efforts last year and more people saw the value of purchasing tickets for our cause.

"St. Louisans are known for their generosity and the large crowd we had at Garden Villas North is living proof of that fact.”

Ball guests were able to meet the mayors of three North County communities who were program hosts: Mayor Norman McCourt of Black Jack; Mayor Tom Schneider of Florissant; and Mayor Matthew Robinson of Hazelwood.

In addition, other state/local elected officials and area business leaders were on hand to give guests an opportunity to network. For this year’s event, more chances were created to win prizes. The Delmar Garden’s family donated a 32” flat screen TV to be given away. Also, a $10 raffle was held for a Treasure Chest of Happiness containing $500-$750 worth of assorted spirits and liquor with the proceeds benefiting Valley Industries. In addition, Florissant councilwoman Karen McKay and her company, Hairbenders, provided all the attendance door prizes. Everyone who bought a ticket was allowed to join the “Party in the Penthouse” on the facility’s third floor.