A smaller, warmer evening in the same spirit as the Phoenix Ball.
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The Patrons' Party is the Phoenix Ball's more intimate companion. Where the Ball fills Cumberland's campus with up to 500 guests, the Patrons' Party gathers a smaller circle of 100 to 200 in the comfort of a private home or venue. It is a quieter, closer evening, but it shares the same purpose: bringing the community together in support of Cumberland's students.
For many years, the Patrons' Party was held the same week as the Phoenix Ball, a prelude leading into the main event. The planning committee eventually moved the two apart on the calendar, giving guests room to rest between celebrations and giving those who travel during Ball week the chance to join the Patrons' Party as well. Today it stands as its own occasion. Each year's party takes on its own host, setting, and personality, varying in location, entertainment, decor, and menu, so no two are quite alike.
1
How Tickets Work
Tickets to the Patrons' Party are separate from Phoenix Ball tickets
Though many guests choose to purchase both at the same time. And everyone is welcome: attending the Phoenix Ball is not a requirement for attending the Patrons' Party.
2
Where the Proceeds Go
All net proceeds support scholarships for Cumberland students
Many of these students would not be able to pursue a college degree without that support, which makes an evening like this one matter well beyond the night itself.
Introducing This Year's Patrons' Party
Save the date for the 2026 Patrons Party, scheduled for Saturday, September 26th, 2026, and to be be hosted by Jeff & Shelly Peterson. We are still planning many details for our 2026 Patrons' Party, so please check back soon for more information.
We are also looking for great partners to sponsor the upcoming Patrons' Party. You can review a sponsorship package for our 2026 Patrons' Party by clicking on the link below.
Unlike the Phoenix Ball which is held on Cumberland's campus for up to 500 guests, the Patrons' Party is usually hosted in someone's home or a private venue so it is a smaller, more intimate affair with attendance ranging from 100 - 200 guests.
Tickets for the Patrons' Party are separate from the Phoenix Ball tickets although many guests will purchase them at the same time.
For many years, the Patrons' Party was held the same week as the Ball and was seen as an event leading up to the big event. Several years ago, the planning committee decided to separate the two events on the calendar to give the attendees more of a rest between events. This also made it possible for guests who may be traveling during the week of the Ball to still attend the Patrons' Party.
All net proceeds from the Patrons' Party and the Phoenix Ball support student scholarships. Many of the students at Cumberland simply would not be able to pursue their dream of obtaining a college degree without the assistance of these scholarship dollars.
Attendance at the Phoenix Ball is not a pre-requisite for attending the Patrons' Party.
List of Benefits for $15,000 Patron's Party Host Sponsor:
Special notes regarding this sponsorship:The Patrons’ Parties vary considerably from year to year, depending on thelocation, entertainment, decorations, and the food provided. The Host Sponsorworks closely with the Cumberland staff in making those decisions. Co-hosting ofthis sponsorship is possible.Depending on the nature of the event, additional sponsorship opportunities maybe offered to cover elements of the Patrons’ Party (i.e., entertainment, valetparking, photo booth, etc.)
