About MCB

The Anchorage Mayor’s Charity Ball annually raises funds to support local 501(c)3 charitable organizations during a gala evening hosted by the Mayor. Eligible organizations apply each year and four groups are selected:

  • Two from Health & Human Services applicants
  • One from Arts applicants
  • One from All Other applicants

Charities are randomly selected to benefit from the gala event’s proceeds.

Started in 1994 by a committee of dedicated volunteers led by the late Robert Penney and then Mayor Rick Mystrom, the Anchorage Mayor’s Charity Ball has raised to date over $4,160,000 to support community charitable organizations. 100% of all net proceeds from the ball are distributed to the four honored charities that year.

The Anchorage Mayor’s Charity Ball is led by a seven-member board of directors who oversee an extensive volunteer event committee which plans all aspects of the gala evenings activities. Traditionally, the activities include dinner, dancing, silent and live auctions, and miscellaneous other fun fund-raising efforts.

The event has sold out every year, attracts guests from all parts of the community, and is proud that its success through the years has transcended political lines, because it is about helping others and making a difference in Anchorage.

Message from the Committee


For nearly three decades, the Mayor’s Charity Ball event has spotlighted organizations that improve our community. Those organizations touch all neighborhoods, across the many aspects that contribute to making Anchorage a great place to live. They help us realize the promise of Anchorage as a welcoming, inclusive and strong community. Your participation adds to our ability to achieve that promise.

Alaskans have raised more than $4.16 million dollars to support the efforts of community organizations since the first Mayor’s Charity Ball in 1994. The 2023 beneficiaries are Challenge Alaska, Alaska Dance Theatre, and Girl Scouts Alaska. Each of these organizations enriches Anchorage in vital ways.

The committee greatly appreciates your support of the nonprofit beneficiaries and we look forward to your support and participation in this important event. Anchorage nonprofits have suffered significantly in the past year and this is one way we can all help provide a positive impact.

The Committee


Co-Chairs

Debbie Reinwand
Raquel Edelen

Administration

Selina Swartzel

Charity Liaisons

Juna Penney
Evan Hall
MJ Thim

Dena’ina Liaison

Brandy Crowley

Event Planning / Décor

Logistics, LLC

Live Auction

Henry Penney
Debbie Reinwand
Paul McGuire
Raquel Edelen

Reservations

Tabitha Karpow
Selina Swartzel
Sonya Wellman

Silent Auction

Kate Weisler
Niara Iman

Social Media

Brilliant Media Strategies

Website

Scott Bell

Volunteers

Kristin George
Gianna Varrati

To volunteer at the event,
please contact Kristin George at absolutelykristin@gmail.com

The Board

Henry Penney, Chairman
Laura Edmondson, Treasurer
Nancy Harbour, Secretary
Charlotte Tharp
Evan Hall
Larry Cash
Mary Stallone
Debbie Reinwand, ex-officio
Raquel Edelen, ex-officio
The Late Bob Penney, Honorary Chair

Past Mayor’s Charity Balls

  • 2018 – $170,000

    Alaska Youth Orchestra
    Camp Fire
    Food Bank of Alaska
    Parachutes

  • 2017 – $227,430

    Anchorage Opera Company
    Four Valleys Community School
    Girdwood Health Clinic
    Lutheran Social Services of Alaska

  • 2016 – $166,748

    Beacon Hill
    Chugiak Youth Sports Association
    Anchorage International Film Festival
    Challenge Alaska

  • 2015 – $193,704

    Anchorage Community Theatre
    YWCA
    Anchorage’s Promise
    Cook Inlet Soccer Club

  • 2014 – $248,099

    Anchorage Concert Chorus
    Covenant House
    The Dome
    thread

  • 2013 – $207,001

    Alaska Dance Theatre
    Alaska Injury Prevention Center
    Alaska Winter Olympians Fund
    Downtown Soup Kitchen

  • 2012 – $185,067

    Anchorage Concert Association
    Lutheran Social Services of Alaska
    Nine Star Education
    The Rainbow Connection: Therapeutic Horseback Riding Center

  • 2011 – $229,700

    American Diabetes Association
    Anchorage Citizens Coalition
    Program for Infants and Children
    The Music Machine

  • 2010 – $208,294

    Alaska Children’s Services
    Alaska Junior Theater
    American Red Cross of Alaska
    Green Star

  • 2009 – $195,135

    Alaska Conservation Alliance
    Alaska Health Fair, Inc.
    Alaska Design Forum
    Habitat for Humanity – Anchorage

  • 2008 – $251,857

    Alaska Dance Theatre
    AMIPA
    Camp Fire USA Alaska Chapter
    Special Olympics Alaska

  • 2007 – $205,790

    Alaska Museum of Natural History
    Alaska Theatre of Youth
    Alaska Youth & Family Network
    Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska

  • 2006 – $189,462

    Anchorage Opera
    Blood Bank of Alaska
    Boys & Girls Clubs of Southcentral Alaska
    Stone Soup Group

  • 2005 – $149,202

    Anchorage Symphony Orchestra
    EagleCrest Academy
    Habitat for Humanity – Anchorage
    Lutheran Social Services

  • 2004 – $138,000

    Alaska Children’s Services
    Anchorage Concert Association
    Catholic Social Services – Beyond Shelter Program
    Great Land Trust, Inc.

  • 2003 – $122,000

    Anchorage Concert Chorus
    Covenant House
    The Imaginarium, Inc.
    Planned Parenthood of Alaska

  • 2002 – $107,000

    Alaska Injury Prevention Center
    Big Brothers Big Sisters of Anchorage, Inc.
    Easter Seals of Alaska
    Friend of Pets

  • 2001 – $80,000

    (Plus $5,000 to NY Firefighters)
    Alzheimer’s Resource of Alaska
    American Diabetes Association
    Girl Scouts Susitna Council
    The Music Machine

  • 2000 – $130,000

    Anchorage Armed Services YMCA
    Anchorage Bridge Builders
    Lutheran Social Services
    Program for Infants & Children

  • 1999 – $120,000

    Alaska Center for the Performing Arts
    American Lung Association
    Hospice of Anchorage
    Respite Services, CSS

  • 1998 – $100,000

    ASSETS, Inc.
    Standing Together Against Rape
    Pregnancy Support Services
    Alaska Museum of Natural History

  • 1997 – $33,625

    Anchorage Center for Families
    Black Arts North
    Challenge Alaska
    Salvation Army – McKinnell Emergency Shelter

  • 1996 – $41,842

    AWAIC
    Big Brothers/Big Sisters
    Catholic Social Services
    Northstar Skate Club

  • 1995 – $13,626

    Anchorage Youth Symphony
    Hospice
    Standing Together Against Rape

  • 1994 – $13,615

    Bean’s Cafe
    Food Bank of Alaska
    Lutheran Social Services

Contact Us


For any questions regarding the Anchorage Mayor’s Charity Ball, please contact hello@mayorscharity.org