Bancroft Raises Money Through Gala and Text Messages

A charity gala for the Bancroft center of Haddonfield raised $340,000, in part through a new technique that allowed donors to send money through text messages.

The Text-to-Pledge initiative raised $28,000 toward the grand total. The pledges came from more than 300 guest at the annual Butterfly Ball, which was hosted by Phillies broadcaster Tom McCarthy, the center announced last week.

Proceeds from the ball represent almost a third of Bancroft’s unrestricted donations, known as The Margaret Bancroft Annual Fund. Bancroft relies on this fund to support virtually every aspect of its services, from facility improvements to assistive technology and extracurricular activities to vocational training.

Bancroft is a leading center for people with developmental disabilities and acquired brain injuries. It has recently been in the news after announcing plans to move its main campus after 128 years on Kings Highway East in Haddonfield. The scramble for what can be developed next in this 2.8-square-mile, nearly 400 year-old town, has been a major public concern.

But those concerns where not front and center during November’s charity ball.

“People were really moved by Megan Smetona’s story,” ball chairperson Barbara Berkman, said, referring to a young woman with autism who was highlighted at the event.

Smetona, who graduated from Bancroft’s special education school in 2008, now lives and works successfully in the community. She was featured in a short video at the gala and spoke briefly to the crowd, according to a news release.

“Megan is a shining example of how Bancroft makes a huge difference in people’s lives and in the lives of their families,” said Berkman, whose daughter Jillian receives services from Bancroft’s adult programs. “People respond very generously when they see the incredible impact Bancroft makes.”

The evening was rounded out by dinner, dancing, live music and a performance by Joyful Noise—a choir of adults with disabilities, including many who receive services from Bancroft.

“It was such a feel-good evening,” Berkman said. “People had a wonderful time and felt really great about the cause they were supporting.”