PORT RICHEY — An evening of dinner and celebration will take on a deeper meaning this year as Port Richey honors the heroes who serve their communities and country.
The second annual Mayor’s Ball will take place Friday, Sept. 11, and will include dinner, entertainment and an opportunity to come together as a community. This year’s theme is “Honoring Our Heroes,” with a special focus on first responders and veterans.
“The theme is particularly meaningful because the ball is being held on Sept. 11, exactly 25 years after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001,” Port Richey Mayor John Eric Hoover said. “That day changed our country forever and reminded all of us of the courage and sacrifice of first responders, military personnel and ordinary Americans who stepped forward to help others.”
The ball will serve as an opportunity to not only remember those who died, but to honor the men and women who continue to serve their communities and country, he said. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is the event’s primary beneficiary, with 80% of proceeds supporting residents who receive assistance through the organization.
“Tunnel to Towers does incredible work supporting America’s first responders, military heroes and their families,” Hoover said. “They provide meaningful assistance to people who have made extraordinary sacrifices in service to others.”
The local connection was important in selecting this year’s beneficiary, he said.
“We wanted this to be an event where people could have a great evening while knowing that their participation is helping heroes and families right here in our community,” Hoover said. “The remaining 20% supports the city of Port Richey Events Committee, which helps us continue providing community events and activities for our residents.”
The Mayor’s Ball began last year as part of Port Richey’s Centennial celebration, but the Events Committee felt it was a special event and should continue as an annual tradition, he says.
“There is something special about getting dressed up, sitting down together and celebrating as a community for a cause that matters,” he said. “We want people to have a wonderful evening, but we also want them to leave knowing that their participation helped someone else.”
The event would not be possible without the support of the local business community, organizations, volunteers and residents, Hoover said.
“The Mayor’s Ball gives us an opportunity to put our everyday differences aside and come together around something that we can all agree on — gratitude for the people who serve us and protect us,” he said.
If you go
Mayor’s Ball — Honoring First Responders and Veterans
When: 6-10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11
Where: Spartan Manor, 6121 Massachusetts Ave., New Port Richey
Tickets: $125 per person. Table of eight is $900.
Tickets and event information: www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/portricheymayorsball2026