Who We Are

We are Women in Action for Children

The Charity Ball Association of San Antonio, Inc. is a non-profit organization that passionately embraces its mission to support and enhance the quality of life for children of Bexar County. Sixty years ago a handful of visionary, caring and compassionate San Antonio women involved in volunteerism saw that many of the community's children's basic needs were not being met. It was difficult then, as now, for agencies to find money for "bricks and mortar" projects that would create nurturing environments with permanent value benefiting the minds, bodies and spirits of children in need. The "Community Chest" (today's United Way) funded primarily programs, not roofs, examining rooms and playgrounds. In order to fund what other groups would not fund, our founders organized the very first Chrysanthemum Ball to benefit Sunshine Cottage and Boysville.

The Charity Ball Association continues its mission today with the generous help of its donors and patrons, the dedication and energy of its members, and with a new emphasis on addressing root causes, community collaboration and children's advocacy. All fundraising is done without executive offices, executive director, or administrative costs to maximize the dollars going to the children.

More Than $26 Million given to Bexar County's Children's Agencies

Since inception over $26 million dollars in grants have been made to over two hundred different children's charities for projects such as building playgrounds, remodeling or repairing structures, and constructing gymnasiums, treatment rooms and classrooms. These projects have provided long term value to children in need. Some of the very first recipients included The Guadalupe Community Center, Inman Christian Center and St. Peter-St. Joseph Children's Home, agencies still operating today. To view a list of all these charities, click here.

In 2022, the Charity Ball Association and its generous supporters donated over $1.114 million to 16 San Antonio agencies. The funds come from The Charity Ball's major projects-- the Rotogravure, the Children's Book, Patron Contributions, Prize Tickets, and the Ball--all with the goal of enhancing the quality of life and building solid foundations for the children of Bexar County. To view a list of the charities funded this year, view the Current Charitable Recipients.