Crystal Ball 2022 canceled due to virus concerns

Officials with the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi have announced the cancellation of the Crystal Ball 2022 Gala fundraiser event that was originally scheduled for Jan. 15, citing the recent increase in COVID-19 cases.

“The surge in the Omicron variant of COVID resulted in the postponement of our charitable fundraising gala,” said Keith Fulcher, President of the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi in a news release. “The last three weeks have been spent strategizing on the best course of action in rescheduling or canceling. All options were explored and regrettably the decision was made to not reschedule the gala, but to cancel it.”

The annual charitable event held for the past 22 years has resulted in a total of $2.6 million in net profit in support of the Community Foundation’s mission of connecting people who care with causes that matter. 

“The Foundation is grateful to the volunteers, sponsors, and vendors who have faithfully supported the Community Foundation’s Crystal Ball for 22 years,” Fulcher said. “Our goal is to continue our tradition of honoring our Star of Hope and Community Stars, as well as our volunteer leadership at an event later in the year already scheduled as part of our Strategic Plan.”

Stacye Trout, Development Director for the Community Foundation of Northwest Mississippi added, “Our sponsorships have been a huge driving force behind our success. They have laid the groundwork for the Community Foundation to provide support to causes such as health and education in youth and children around our 11-county region. We will do everything possible to fulfill benefits, including recognition on our PBS segment that will air as planned at a date to be announced.”

Erin and Ben Napier of Laurel, stars of the  HGTV television series “Home Town,” were selected as the 2022 Crystal Ball Stars of Hope.