Published: May 06, 2008 09:38 am         

Salsa Barons Ball a success

By Lacie Morrison
lmorrison@mineralwellsindex.com

A group of Salsa Barons Ball attendees performed the Chicken Dance, Hokey-Pokey and Macarena Saturday night while raising money for the Palo Pinto Challenge Inc.

The annual event raises money for the salsa-making group, paying for product liability insurance, van insurance, jars and labels. The Palo Pinto Challenge Inc. provides an opportunity for mentally challenged adults to work with pride through the sale of their Hale Center Salsa.

Board President Jennifer Elmore said, “It was a financial success. We cleared a little over $10,000.”

She noted that the total included ticket sales, silent auction proceeds and the raffle items. Throughout the event, drawings for items such as gift baskets and candles were conducted while visitors frequented the silent auction tables. The auction featured several items such as a handmade afghan, a multi-pound Nestle Crunch bar, a golf bag with golf lessons and a diamond ring, among other things.

Board member Sharon Owens commented, “There’s a little bit more than last year and some really nice prizes.”

Hosted at the Palo Pinto County Sheriff’s Posse building, the numerous round and long tables were elbow to elbow with guests who enjoyed the fajita meal catered by Pulido’s Mexican Restaurant.

“I think it was a big success. We had more people come and stay the entire time this year,” Elmore said. She noted, “We had to have some extra tables put out. It was wonderful to have so many people there.”

“I think it’s fantastic – all the seats filled and a few extra,” agreed Owens. “This is better than last year.”

The event featured a DJ and Melanie Weatherly was this year’s emcee. This was her first year to attend the event.

“It turned out well and they had some good prizes,” Weatherly commented.

An added feature of this year’s event was an opportunity to test a proposed product, “Jalapeno Cruzers.” They are candied jalapenos. According to Elmore, the cruzers drew mostly positive feedback.

Although it will be fall before they can start selling the newest product, she said they hope to have the jalapeno cruzers on sale in smaller stores by the holidays.

Owens remarked, “I am impressed. On a day when so many things were going on, it [the turnout] is just impressive. Their hearts are big.”

This year’s Salsa Barons Ball was a poignant one for the organization’s board members as it was dedicated to Delores Rodriguez, who died of cancer in March. Rodriguez was an active participant with the organization, and according to Barbara Cranfill, “could do the chicken dance like no other.”

“Delores was a friend of Palo Pinto Challenge and helped in so many ways,” Elmore said, enumerating some of Rodriguez’ assistance such as teaching personal grooming and starting their traditional tamale sales. “She was just a real friend [and] will be missed.”