Mayor's annual Snowflake Ball benefits Nor-Ton Jacket Club

City of North Tonawanda Mayor Arthur G. Pappas and his wife, Linda, hosted the Mayor's annual Snowflake Ball on Feb. 20 at the Knights of Columbus at 755 Erie Ave.

The event included a night of music, food and cocktails and was held in keeping with the tradition that former North Tonawanda mayor and current New York state Sen. Robert Ortt with his wife, Meghan, started in 2010.

Each year, a different not-for-profit organization is chosen to be the beneficiary of the event. This year, the event raised $12,625 for the Nor-Ton Red Jacket Club Inc., which provides educational and recreational programs for local youth.

"It was, again, an honor and a privilege to host this event alongside my wife, Linda. Thanks to the very generous sponsors and the 150 people who attended, we were pleased to present the chosen charity a substantial amount of money to help continue their success," Pappas said.

Karl Heilemann, director of Nor-Ton Red Jacket Club, accepted the funds on behalf of the organization. The funds will go toward further support of programs that benefit youth in North Tonawanda and the surrounding area.

The Nor-Ton Red Jacket Club operates and maintains 25 acres of land at 1601 Sweeney St., known as the Donald F. Miller Park, formerly known as Camp Shady Hollow. 

For more than 70 years, the property has hosted educational and recreational activities for thousands of youth from North Tonawanda. For the past 18 years, it has been home to the Camp Spirit day camp and provides a wide variety of free programs, including those of health, fitness, leadership, teamwork and appreciation for the environment.