Ex-Middletown council member, wife named Charity Ball honorary chairs

Two longtime Middletown residents have been named Honorary Chairs for the 97th annual Charity Ball that has raised more than $1 million by the Middletown Area Federation of Women’s Clubs for Atrium Medical Center for Women’s Health Services.

Jerry and Jacky Banks relocated from Cincinnati to Middletown in 1989 and have been active in the community ever since. When they moved to Middletown, Jerry Banks was the Northern Area Manager of Butler and Warren County for Cinergy and retired in 1996.

RELATED: Goal of Middletown Charity Ball: Get younger, raise money

A year later, he was elected to Middletown City Council, serving as vice mayor in 2000. When he left council, he continued his legal profession, and became a Magistrate for the Butler County Court. After retiring from the court, he went into practicing elder care, to support those seniors who have no family to take care of them.

He was also a member of the Middletown Rotary Club, LifeSpan board member and volunteered with the Boy Scouts serving as District Chairman.

After her children were grown, Jacky Banks worked for several years at The LaComedia in the gift shop. She was involved in numerous organizations: Middletown Chamber of Commerce as Ambassador, American Cancer Society, Middletown Federation of Women’s Club, Sorg Opera, Arts in Middletown (AIM), Big Brothers and Big Sisters, Phi Beta Psi Sorority, and WHIMS.

MORE: Light Up Middletown adds more attractions for its 19th season

They have worked together with Middletown Chamber of Commerce, Middletown Area United Way, Middfest International, Junior Achievement, Middletown Community Foundation, Middletown Symphony Orchestra, Ohio Balloon Challenge, Middletown Wine Club, and Holy Family Parish.

They chaired the 2000 Charity Ball with Richard and Carolyn Parmer.

They have been married for 55 years and have six children and 19 grandchildren.

Andy and Lori Guyler will chair the event set for Dec. 2 at Miami University Middletown Johnston Hall-Miriam Knoll G. Center. This year’s theme is “Midnight Masquerade.” This event is black tie optional and open to the public.

RELATED: Lifetime Middletown residents to chair annual Charity Ball

This year’s Charity Ball will start at 6 p.m. with registration and social hour with cash bar. Holiday music will be provided by Dick Watson and Jim McBride and new this year will be a photo booth. The sit down dinner starts at 7:15 p.m., provided by Kirsten Spicer, Two Women in a Kitchen. After dinner and the program, the evening will continue with music provided by “All the Right Tunes,” who will provide a broad selection of music for dancing or listening.

Attendees also will have an opportunity to play Black Jack, Poker, Big 6 and Horse Race that will be staffed by Middletown Knights of Columbus Council No. 1610 dealers. There will also be a raffle and silent auction items.

Those who want to attend may pay online: middletowncharityball.eventbrite.com or by check that should be made out to 97th Charity Ball and mailed to: Michael Clarey, 4722 Longford Drive, Middletown, OH 45042. Your check will serve as your reservation.

About the Author