Montezuma Ball, one of New Mexico’s oldest traditions and largest fundraisers to benefit area nonprofit organizations, has selected R4Creating and Mandy’s Farm as beneficiaries of this year’s annual fundraising ball to be held on Nov. 23 at Hotel Albuquerque in Old Town.
Montezuma Ball was created in 1902 as part of the New Mexico Territorial Fair, and it continued until the last ball was held at the Alvarado Hotel in 1968. In 2000, Heritage Hotels & Resorts restored this New Mexico favorite and inaugurated the event in its Alvarado Ballroom inside Hotel Albuquerque. Since then, Montezuma Ball has raised millions of dollars for nonprofit organizations.
R4Creating’s mission is to provide support for those organizations making valuable contributions to increase the number of STEM opportunities for students.
“We are thrilled to be the primary beneficiary for the 2024 Montezuma Ball, and so grateful for SUNNY505 launching us on a positive note,” said Dr. Shelly Gruenig, R4Creating’s sounding executive director. “Our goal is to raise $1 million at this year’s event, which will allow us to expand our STEAM services throughout the state and have an even greater impact on New Mexico’s young people.”
Mandy’s Farm is a nonprofit organization that assists individuals with developmental disabilities in achieving their goals for living, learning and working in the community.
“Mandy’s Farm is grateful for the opportunity to raise awareness for the inclusion and support needs of youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Melissa McCue, executive director. “The Montezuma Ball presents a distinctive platform to expand outreach and awareness of essential services to the wider New Mexican community. We are thrilled to be working alongside R4 Creating to make this event successful and memorable.”
SUNNY505 kicked off the fundraising with a $50,000 contribution in honor of Joanie Griffin, its founder, who will serve as queen of the 2024 Montezuma Ball.
Past beneficiaries of the ball include Junior Achievement, United Way of Central New Mexico, Explora Science Center & Children’s Museum, DreamSpring, Museum of NM Foundation, YDI, WESST, the National Institute of Flamenco, Animal Humane of New Mexico, KIMO Foundation and many other organizations.
“Both R4 Creating and Mandy’s Farm are making a huge difference for New Mexico’s young people,” said Jim Long, founder and CEO of Heritage Hotels & Resorts. “We can’t wait to see how the money raised will take both organizations to new heights.”
