Since 1938, the Assistance League of Marshalltown has given back approximately $1.7 million to the community, with its members volunteering hundreds of thousands of hours supporting programs that strengthen education, recreation, the arts and healthy living in Marshalltown and surrounding areas. On Dec. 6, it will host its 75th Annual Assistance League of Marshalltown Charity Ball at Elmwood Country Club. This year’s theme is “I’ll Be Home For Christmas.” The longest-running fundraiser in the group’s history, it’s also its most successful.

Social hour kicks off at 6 p.m. with a meet and greet, followed by dinner at 7 p.m. The meal will feature steak, mashed potatoes, jalapeno corn, salad and cheesecake.

A DJ will play during the meal, with a dance to follow. Browse the silent auction area to bid on Iowa and Iowa State basketball tickets, live Christmas trees, and more.

“As the Decor Chair for the 75th Annual Charity Ball, I am honored to share a glimpse of this year’s theme, ‘I’ll Be Home for Christmas,'” said Samantha Vance. “Inspired by my own favorite holiday memories — those spent at home surrounded by the people I love — this year’s decor is designed to wrap every guest in comfort, nostalgia and a touch of holiday magic. The ballroom will be transformed into a romantic Christmas wonderland. Guests will be greeted by charming Christmas villages, glowing softly under twinkling lights that shimmer throughout the space. Crystal ornaments, candles, and delicate details will reflect the warm glow, creating an atmosphere that feels both festive and intimate. Everywhere you look will sparkle — capturing that timeless feeling of coming home for the holidays.”

The event is formal attire. RSVP by Nov. 19. Purchase your tickets or make donations here: www.assistanceleagueofmarshalltown.org. Tickets are $130 per person and $260 per couple. Businesses can make a donation or sponsor a table of eight or 10.

Anna Randall, who serves as this year’s charity ball event chair, said the night will feature an Advent Wall, which is actually a big dollhouse. Area businesses have donated gift cards or baskets all valued at $50, $75 or $100. Participants will pay one of those dollar amounts, grab a tag, then discover their prize.

“We’ll have 12 different items or gift cards. Those tend to go pretty fast,” Randall added.

The Assistance League consists of 40 women who serve six-year terms.

“We are required to do 40 hours of work within Assistance League, and 10 hours of work outside of Assistance League, volunteering, a year…A lot of us put in way more than that and a lot of us are doing other things throughout the community as well,” she noted.

Funds raised are then used to cover costs of grant requests in 2026.

Randall said anyone who attended last year’s ball automatically receives an invitation in the mail for this year’s.

“We want to make it known it’s open to the public to come. We want more people than just those of us that have been in Assistance League to help celebrate and enjoy a fun Christmas evening,” she said.

Last year, 194 people attended the ball.

Assistance League meetings are held monthly September through May. Requests must be received by the 20th of the month. Requests cannot be voted on during the months of June through August. There is a one-month consideration period for funding projects $250 and under. There is a two-month approval process for funding projects $251 and over.

“So our last request that can come in is in March, because it’s a two-month process,” she said. “Otherwise, it gets pushed off into September.”

There is a committee that works on funding immediate needs between September and May.

To submit a grant request, fill out the application and either upload it digitally, email it to Request@AssistanceLeagueOfMarshalltown.org or mail to: Assistance League of Marshalltown, PO Box 3, Marshalltown.

Other fundraising projects include the annual spring thrift sale, Missoula Children’s Theatre experience and the sale of pot pies.

“This (the ball) seems to be the most well-attended and also a celebration of the end of the year and Christmastime. People just love coming and going to Elmwood where it’s decorated beautifully. It’s a fun event. People like to dress up and celebrate Marshalltown and what we can do for Marshalltown. I think that’s why it’s been such a great event,” Randall said.