Since 1961, every dollar raised at the Cinderella Charity Ball has supported the Boys & Girls Clubs serving Arlington's most vulnerable youth.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County (BGCGTC) is committed to being the premier youth development organization in the community — a low-cost or free resource available to all, providing a safe and welcoming environment where children and teens are respected and valued.
BGCGTC's mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need them most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Its purpose is simple: to enable Club members to achieve substantially better outcomes in the areas of academic success, good character, citizenship, and healthy lifestyles.
"Every young person who enters the Club doors deserves a world-class experience — with all members on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle."
— Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant CountyAnnually, BGCGTC serves more than 31,000 youth ages 4–24 with after-school and summer programs, substance abuse prevention programs, a progressive gang-intervention program, and targeted outreach and college preparation services in schools.
Target neighborhoods are historically low income, with low educational attainment, high unemployment, and associated high rates of illegal activity. The median household income in areas the Club serves is under $35,000, and 78% of Club kids are on the free or reduced lunch program in their schools.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County offers life-changing programs across four core areas — all made possible in part by Cinderella Ball fundraising.
Innovative science, technology, engineering, art, and math programming offering an enriching curriculum for kids who need it most. Clubs provide world-class education, leadership, and healthy lifestyle programs to the county's most vulnerable young people — helping them build bright futures and giving low-income families access to affordable after-school activities.
Upward Bound and Educational Talent Search programs focus on high school graduation and college enrollment, providing services to low-income and potential first-generation college students. These programs open doors that might otherwise remain closed — preparing Arlington's youth for higher education and career success.
The Comin' Up Gang Intervention Program provides career, education, and life guidance for youth involved in gangs. Open late at night in hard-to-reach communities, this program offers real solutions to difficult situations — giving young people a path forward when they need it most.
Too Good for Drugs, Positive Action, and Straight Talk prevention programs are offered to school-aged youth in a variety of settings. Youth armed with resilience skills are equipped to avoid problems later — carefully organized to reach communities challenged by alcohol and drug issues and break destructive cycles.
Here is a record of the major capital improvements and program expansions made possible by Cinderella Ball fundraising since 1981.
Campaign funds help complete the entire Boys & Girls Club Southeast Branch building — a landmark moment in expanding club access across Arlington.
The Southeast Branch basketball gymnasium is expanded, giving hundreds of youth more space for athletics, teamwork, and healthy activity.
Ball proceeds fund the construction of the Kromer Branch, bringing Boys & Girls Club programs to a new area of Arlington and reaching more underserved youth.
A new branch location opens at Peach Elementary, expanding the club's presence in north Arlington neighborhoods.
Major renovations modernize the Kromer Branch, improving the environment and expanding programming capacity.
Three large buses are purchased for transportation, a new teen space opens at East Branch, and safety and security systems are upgraded across Arlington locations.
A basic needs program launches at East Branch. Kromer Branch kitchen is renovated for meal service. Carol's Clubhouse case management program is established.
An Arlington-dedicated Mobile Clubhouse RV brings programs beyond club walls. A Music Clubhouse opens at Kromer. A Licensed Professional Counselor joins the Arlington Clubs. The Feeding the Future meal prep program launches.
A full Music Studio opens at Kromer Branch. A second Mobile Clubhouse dedicated to Arlington begins service. LPC support continues. Summer camp programs are expanded.
The Dan Serna Branch completes comprehensive renovations, creating a modernized, welcoming environment for Arlington's youth.
From candidate socials to the annual Ball — the Cinderella community shows up for Arlington's youth year after year.
