The “Snowpocalypse of 2010” may have delayed the Catholic Charities Ball for three weeks, but it did nothing to dampen the festivities at last Friday’s annual charitable event. More than 700 people dressed in black tie and ball gowns packed the ballroom and dance floor of the Ritz-Carlton in McLean, toasting the continued success of Catholic Charities. This year’s theme was “All That Glitters.”

The ball is the largest fundraising event for the agency and supports the charity’s homeless shelter, food pantry, mental-health counseling, elderly services, emergency assistance, crisis-pregnancy counseling, foster care, adoption services, parish social ministry, services for the disabled and prison ministry.

The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the James J. Matthews Legacy Award to Lauren and Bob Smith. The award was created in 2007 and named after volunteer James Matthews, who made former Arlington Bishop Thomas J. Welsh’s vision of a fundraising ball a reality.

“Both Lauren and Bob continue their unwavering support for Catholic Charities and for the poor in the Diocese of Arlington,” Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde said in his remarks. “Through their tireless efforts in raising financial contributions, Catholic Charities has been able to expand its services over the years to help improve the lives of so many.”

Following the award, dinner was served and dancing began.

The formal part of the program continued with the presentation of flowers to the ball co-chairs, Elizabeth Loranger and Julie Theobald. George Forrester, special gifts chairman, was introduced and thanked his committee for their work in making the evening a success. Raffle winners were announced and dancing continued until midnight.