Snow Ball rolling near Salem Common

Comedian Jimmy Tingle thanked Julie Butterfield of Lee, N.H., for her donation yesterday to Globe Santa in Harvard Square. (TASLIM SIDI for the boston globe)

One of the many traditional Globe Santa fund-raising events each year is the Salem Snow Ball and this year, the 14th annual ball will be held Saturday night at the Salem Knights of Columbus hall overlooking Salem Common.

The Salem Snow Ball is a fund-raiser that Danvers insurance company owner William J. Lynch Jr. organized with some friends in 1995. Since that time, more than $70,000 has been raised for the Globe Santa Fund.

The program Saturday begins at 8, and tickets can be purchased at the door for a donation of $30.

Not only will there be dance music provided by Patrick Runne of Bedrock Music, but there also will be carolers greeting guests as they arrive. During the evening, appetizers will be served.

Lynch, in a posting on www.salemsnowball.com, says donations can be made in connection with the ball. A reserved table for 10 can be purchased in advance for $250. A corporate sponsorship of $500 includes a table for 10 along with recognition at the event, a boldface listing in the "Thank You" brochure, an image of the company logo, and a listing on the website.

In tracing the history of the successful event, Lynch said the first party raised about $1,600. Last year's ball, held on a cold December night, was attended by about 150 and raised $7,500.

The ball also will feature the awarding of door prizes every 15 minutes, a raffle, and a Live Auction, which will begin at 10 p.m.

Dancing will continue until midnight.

For additional information, e-mail Lynch at wjlynch.jr@msn.com or call Jane Fuller, an employee of the William J. Lynch Insurance Co., who has worked with Lynch over the years in organizing this annual fund-raiser. Her telephone number is 978-777-8718. His is 978-750-0044.

Santa's Mailbox
There are four ways you can give.

You can drop off your donation at the Improv Asylum 216 Hanover St. Boston (North End) at any evening performance or during business hours Helping needy families share the spirit of the holiday season.

© Copyright 2008 Globe Newspaper Company.