The Montezuma Ball will be held on November 23rd at The Hotel Albuquerque. The annual Ball is a fundraiser that benefits local nonprofit organizations. This year the Montezuma Ball’s focus is on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics). Two beneficiaries were chosen this year: Mandy’s Farm and R4 Creating. R4 Creating’s mission is to provide support to organizations to increase STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) opportunities for local students. R4Creating provides a place for kids to learn, belong, and grow into successful leaders. Mandy’s Farm is a nonprofit that helps individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live, learn, and work in the community.
The Montezuma Ball began in 1902 and was part of the New Mexico Territorial Fair. Over the years, the Montezuma Ball has raised millions of dollars for nonprofits across New Mexico. The Creating Opportunity Fine Art Auction is a fundraiser for the Montezuma Ball with specialty curated art items from galleries and private collections. The online art auction was held in August. The collection included paintings, jewelry, pottery, and sculptures.
Now, a second in-person art auction will be held during the Montezuma Ball. R4 Creating founder Shelly Gruenig says, “There’s a really good variety of different kinds of art. A lot of art collectors have donated their art.” The upcoming Montezuma Ball includes a gourmet dinner and an inspiring program with dancing, cocktails, and entertainment. Gruenig says, “The in-person auction will include “incredible pieces by some really known artists.”
R4 Creating hosts drone and robot competitions. They also support and train educators in bringing STEAM projects into the classroom. The nonprofit teaches 3D printing and other hands-on emerging technology to youth. Gruenig says, “R4 Creating was started by myself as a mom for my own kids and has grown over the last 20 years.” Mandy’s Farm was started by David and Ruthie Robbins to support their daughter Mandy. Today, Mandy’s Farm serves over 200 adults with developmental disabilities in Albuquerque. The Farm provides a lifeline for these adults to work and participate in their community. Individuals learn how to plant, cultivate, and incorporate healthy food and produce into their meals. Mandy’s Farm also offers an adaptive horsemanship program for individuals with developmental and physical disabilities. Gruening says, “Some of the past beneficiaries have been larger organizations, but this year they are homegrown nonprofits. To me, that’s a really special part of this story.” Tables can be purchased for guests wanting to attend the Ball. Corporate sponsors have also helped support the event and its beneficiaries. For more information, visit www.r4creating.org and click on the Montezuma Ball link. To learn more about Mandy’s Farm, visit www.mandysfarm.org
Mandy’s Farm serves over 200 adults with developmental disabilities in Albuquerque.