Blue Jean Ball calls for sponsors and auction donations

Organizers of the 2013 Blue Jean Ball are asking area businesses to consider not only sponsorship of the Autism Delaware fundraiser, but also donations of goods and services for an extensive silent auction. In-kind donations may include jewelry, artwork, crafts, gourmet foods, restaurant gift cards, autographs and memorabilia, event tickets, vacation packages, and wine and liquor (from Delaware wholesalers or retailers only).

“As a sponsor of the Blue Jean Ball,” said Dorian Rowe Kleinstuber Esq., who co-chairs the Blue Jean Ball committee with Koh Morrisey, “you ensure that more of the funds raised at the event go to Autism Delaware’s statewide programs and services. In other words, you support Delaware families living with autism spectrum disorders.”

In appreciation, Autism Delaware offers a range of benefits and recognition. Sponsorship levels begin at $250 with premium reserved seating for two, a listing on the event’s website, recognition on social media and verbal recognition at the event. High-end exclusive sponsors also receive recognition on social media, verbal recognition at the event, and premium reserved seating for 10. Plus, high-end exclusive sponsors receive a private food server for their tables; two color ads in the slide presentation; the sponsor’s profile, logo, and a link on the event’s website; an exclusive sponsor event sign; and a press alert noting exclusive sponsorship.

For a company or organization interested in ad space, inclusion in the event’s slide presentation costs only $150.

Any individual, business, or organization interested in sponsoring the 2013 Blue Jean Ball should contact Autism Delaware’s event coordinator Liz Carlisle at 302-644-3410 or liz.carlisle@delautism.org.

A longtime southern Delaware favorite, the annual Blue Jean Ball has a new location this year: the Rehoboth Beach Convention Center. Festivities begin at 6 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 21. The dress code is “blue jeans and bling.”

Tickets cost $85 per person if purchased by Sept. 13; $100 if purchased from Sept. 14 until the tickets are sold out. Each ticket includes entrance to live and silent auctions; dancing to Delaware’s own Love Seed Mama Jump; beer, wine and specialty cocktails; and hors d’oeuvres and desserts from prominent local restaurants.

To date, participating restaurants include Bethany Blues, Touch of Italy, Big Fish Grill, Moe’s Southwest Grill/Carvel Ice Cream, Table and Taproom, and Kick n’ Chicken. Open seating is guaranteed for all ticket holders with premium reserved seating limited to Blue Jean Ball sponsors.

Autism Delaware is a nonprofit organization made up of individuals with autism spectrum disorders, their family members, the professionals who serve them, and friends of people with ASDs. With offices in Newark, Dover and Milton, Autism Delaware serves the entire state.

For more information on how to help, go to autismdelaware.org.