Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1938-01-08
AUDIT AWAITED
OF VELVET BALL
Committee Raising Funds to
Feed Needy Children Ex-
poets Report Today. ,

&SeSuAso Va OIL auuiL VI dCCOuIlLS OF
the ouble-besieged Velvet Ball, held
at the Mayfower Hotel Thursday
night for the benefit of the children's
lunch fund. were being awaited today
by the Citizens Permanent Commit
tee, Inc, officials Of which were hope
full there would be no deficit.
Mrs. John Boyle jr., president of
the committee, which is feeding more
than 5000 school children daily from
funds raised in a series of benefits,
said in a formal statement that money
still Is coming in, in view of which
she expects there will be a profit.
The audit, she said, was begun last
night, and the findings Of the auditor
will be made public as soon as possible,
perhaps today. She cohtended there
had been no unnecessary, heavy ex-
pense In connection with the BALI
and said enough money Is coming In
to feed the children throughout jan
uary.
Mrs. Boyle Makes Statement.
In her statement Mrs. Boyle ex-
planned how she was led to employ
Jay Corbett, professional promoter, Of
New York. whose contract for pro.
noting the ball finally was Cancelled
after payment to him Of $3.50. Mr.
Corbett, she said, was recommended
BY former police commissioner Of
New York City. Decision to dispense
with Mr.. Corbett's services was reached
after the Better Business Bureau in.
Dictated its disapproval Of him anc
OF the contract he had with the
committee.
Mrs. Boyle's statement follows:
Mr.. C0rbett came to me with high
recommendations from Mr.. Driscoll
former police commissioner of New
York, and with . contract with the
Velvet Guild. Inc, which said: Nat
urally there has to be an organizer OF
this ball, and that Is Mr.. Corbett's
capacity, and We shall work with him
In every way possible to make the
ball a Success Mr.. Driscoll Is now
the director Of the Lace Guild, rep
resenting lace manufacturers.
After about . month and . halt
Of work on the ball as managing
director found it impossible to worl
with Mr.. Corbett. The committee
after estimating the value Of hi.
services for q month and q half.
work, obtained . complete release
from Mr.. Corbett.
II deny that there has been any
unnecessary, heavy expense in connec,
ton with the ball. In view Of the
amount still coming in it appears
that . profit will be realized.
II have enough money coming ir
to feed the children through Januar,
and am struggling desperately to raist
enough for the remainder of the schoo
year."
Children Are Being Fed.
Mrs. Mary Steele, director of tn,
Women's and Professional Projects O.
the District Works Progress Admins.
tration, said: THE Works Progres,
Administration is not concerned witt
the success or failure of any one par.
ticular benefit. It Is concerned Ii
operating hot lunch project and il
feeding hungry school children. De.
spite the many criticisms, the fact
remains that $500 hungry school chill.
dren are being fed daily through thu
untiring efforts of Mrs. Boyle and thu
committee
The Better Business Bureau made
q routine inquiry Of Mr.. Corbett'l
connection with the ball after . loca
merchant had asked for information
concerning the solicitation of adver.
Using for the ball.
Mr.. Corbett in 1896 promoted 8
lace ball" for the benefit of thu
National Homeopathic Hospital. HI
has organized other charity benefit,
in various parts OF the country.
A fashion show and historical pa.
geant, held yesterday As q sequel X
the velvet ball, was greeted by meage,
attendance. Less than IS person.
witnessed . parade of mannikin!
dressed In reproductions Of gown.
worn by wives Of American President,
and BY Queens Of England. The show
was staged by Mrs. Helen Virgins
Meyers, New York costumer. It hae
been planned to have two performance
yesterday afternoon at the Mayfiowel
Hotel. but the second show WAS can.