The Rose Ball’s reputation precedes itself as Greenville’s longest-running charitable event, hosting some of the most elegant affairs in the Southeast. The name behind the ball dates back to September 24, 1971, when founders, the late Mrs. E.S. McKissick Sr. and the late Mrs. Charles E. Daniel, held the first ball, contributing roses from their gardens for decor. Proceeds of the event originally benefited the newly constructed St. Francis Hospital, but in 1975, the Charity Ball Board expanded the distribution of proceeds, giving half to St. Francis and allotting the other half to organizations throughout the community. The event now features more than 4,000 roses and raises over $4 million biannually to improve the physical, emotional, educational, and cultural needs of the community.
As one of the most elegant balls in the Southeast, the Rose Ball attracts fashion and style to meet that of the decor. Suits and ball gowns fuse tradition and modernity to create a new element of style for each event. The Rose Ball has a new theme each year. This year, local artist Lisa Tice will lead hundreds of volunteers to transform the ballroom into an English Garden. In the past, the ball has seen themes of Southern Tradition, Art of the Rose, Island Elegance, The Origin of the Rose, and Southern Nights. Shown are displays of these past themes styled throughout the decades.
2023 Rose Ball Beneficiaries
- Cancer Society of Greenville County
- Conestee Nature Preserve
- Fostering Great Ideas
- Greenville Free Medical Clinic
- Greenville Literacy Association
- Greenville Tech Foundation
- Habitat for Humanity of Greenville County
- OnTrack Greenville
- RIZE Prevention
- Roper Mountain Science Center
- Safe Harbor
- The Children’s Museum of the Upstate
- The Family Effect
- United Ministries
- Washington High School Alumnae Association
The 27th Rose Ball will be held Friday, September 22 at the Poinsett Club, 807 E. Washington St., Greenville. For more information, visit theroseball.org.
