2024 Montezuma Ball Committee hosting Art Auction Friday

The Montezuma Ball committee is hosting an online art auction to raise money for its 2024 beneficiaries, R4Creating and Mandy’s Farm.

Montezuma Ball, one of New Mexico’s oldest traditions and largest fundraisers to benefit area nonprofit organizations, will hold its annual fundraising ball Nov. 23 at Hotel Albuquerque in Old Town.

The ball has raised millions of dollars for nonprofit organizations and will look to raise even more money with its Art in the Garden Auction Aug. 23.

The auction will be held at the Hotel Albuquerque Garden from 5:45-7 p.m. and features world-class art that will be sold with all proceeds going to R4 Creating and Mandy’s Farm. Items can also be viewed and bid for online.

Some of the art available is by New Mexico artists including:

• "Two Eagle Dancers" by Pablita Velarde, with a value of $12,000.

• "Southwest Still Life" by Edward Gonzales, valued at $5,000.

• "Zuni Woman With Pot" by Tim Nicola, valued at $4,500.

• "Alabaster Eagle" by Jeff Grandbois, valued at $3,000.

• "Santa Domingo Native American Ceremonial Necklace," valued at $1,500.

• "Smirk," a giclee print by George Alexander II, valued at $1,000.

The Montezuma Ball was created in 1902 as part of the New Mexico Territorial Fair.

SUNNY505 kicked off the fundraising this year with a $50,000 contribution in honor of Joanie Griffin, its founder, who will serve as queen of the 2024 Montezuma Ball.

R4 Creating’s mission is to provide support for those organizations making valuable contributions to increase the number of STEM opportunities for students.

“We are thrilled to be the primary beneficiary for the 2024 Montezuma Ball, and so grateful for SUNNY505 launching us on a positive note,” said Dr. Shelly Gruenig, R4 Creating’s executive director. “Our goal is to raise $1 million at this year’s event, which will allow us to expand our STEAM services throughout the state and have an even greater impact on New Mexico’s young people.”

Mandy’s Farm is a nonprofit organization that assists individuals with developmental disabilities in achieving their goals for living, learning and working in the community.

“Mandy’s Farm is grateful for the opportunity to raise awareness for the inclusion and support needs of youth and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” said Melissa McCue, executive director. “The Montezuma Ball presents a distinctive platform to expand outreach and awareness of essential services to the wider New Mexican community. We are thrilled to be working alongside R4 Creating to make this event successful and memorable.”

Past beneficiaries of the ball include Junior Achievement, United Way of Central New Mexico, Explora Science Center & Children’s Museum, DreamSpring, Museum of NM Foundation, YDI, WESST, the National Institute of Flamenco, Animal Humane of New Mexico, KIMO Foundation and many other organizations.