On February 20th at Union Station, close to half a million dollars was raised in support of the increasing needs that childhood cancer presents. Bear Tie Ball remains our single largest source of revenue each year as well as a venue to heighten the awareness of this devastating disease and the work that Bear Necessities does throughout the year to bring hope and joy into these children's lives.

Congratulations again to Chris Noon of Builtech Construction and Gary Fencik who received the 2010 William J. Casey HOPE Awards. These awards honor both a corporation and an individual who assist Bear Necessities in its mission to give children with cancer HOPE for another tomorrow.

Our friends, Jay Levine and Mary Ann Childers once again graciously gave their time to be our honorary chairpersons and emcees for the evening, which always brings such warm professionalism to the event. This year, new to the scene was none other than Jenniffer Weigel who took the stage as our Live Auctioneer and I might add was quite a rock star!!

We were honored to have Senator Bill and Nancy Brady, Tom and Cece Ricketts, Mayor Bradley and Suzi Stephens, Gary and Sandy Fencik, Roe and Barbara Conn and Mario and Cheryl Tricoci in attendance and as great advocates for our organization.

The highlight of the evening was the crowning of the king and queen of our Mardi Gras Ball. Each year, children who have received a Small Miracle share their courageous stories with our guests at the Bear Tie Ball. this year our Small Miracle Ambassadors, Jeremy Campus and Jamarielle Ransom-Marks truly helped us celebrate Mardi Gras with meaning.