Monitor Photo/Di Johnson
Learning with Lana Joy Foundation board members (from left) Clint Joiner, Terri Vincent, Heather Hanes, Julia Helderlein and Pennie Milligan pose at the ball’s photo booth. Additional board members include Amy Pellet (not pictured).

GUN BARREL CITY–On Feb. 25, the Learning with Lana Joy Foundation held its first masquerade ball fundraiser at CR Legacy event center in Gun Barrel City. More than 60 guests attended the event and helped bring in a total of $8,339 to benefit the children of Tool.
The Learning with Lana Joy Foundation began after a local family suffered the devastating loss of their five-year-old daughter, Lana. Lana was just months away from attending school when she succumbed to a severe attack of croup. In the wake of such a tragedy, the family decided to create this foundation to help children Lana’s age get everything they need for a successful school year. Since the foundation’s inception, school supplies, books, clothing, and even Christmas gifts have been provided to the children of Tool. The masquerade ball is their second fundraiser.
The event featured a prime rib steak dinner, a dessert bar, a wine and beer bar, entertainment by TJ the DJ, dancing, a silent auction, door prizes and a photo booth for guests’ enjoyment. The dress was formal, and attendees arrived in a dazzling array of colors, fully embracing the masquerade theme.
The auction had a myriad of items to bid on, including a metal bench, an electric-powered scooter and hoverboard, a fireplace and a log rack cover, goodie bags, painted ceramics, jewelry, home decor, gift baskets, a child’s reading chair with storage, and the night’s two highest grossing items, a Weber grill and a cedar bench handmade by Lana Joy’s grandmother, Terri Vincent. These items brought in $2,339 of the total proceeds.
“We appreciate those who donated to our auction, donated their time to help serve, and those who attended and bought auction items,” said the foundation. “Because of you, our first event was a success! We will be able to help so many more children! We are thankful for such a supportive community and look forward to more events with you!”
Learning with Lana Joy founder Heather Hanes said of the night, “We had an evening of amazing food, great music, with dancing and meaningful conversations. We look forward to doing this event again next year along with different events this year. Keep an eye on our Learning with Lana Joy Foundation Facebook and website for what we have planned this upcoming year.”