Molly Gay was named Belle of the Ball on Saturday night at the 60th anniversary of the Junior League of Gainesville-Hall County Charity Ball at the Chattahoochee Country Club.

The fundraiser dates to the 1950s. Area civic groups sponsor a candidate to become the Belle, with the girl who raises the most money winning the title.

Gay was representing the Gainesville Jaycees.

Other finalists were Logan Brown, Rotary Club of Gainesville; Emmy Carswell, Lanierland Civitan Club; Caroline Franklin, Evening Optimist Club; Caroline Hodge, South Hall Rotary Club; Madeline Maney, Kiwanis Club; Holly Puckett, Elks Lodge No. 1126.

"The money goes back to the Junior League, and we use it to help other organizations in the community who meet our mission of helping children and families," said Callie Flack, Junior League communication chairwoman.

"We leave it to the girls to do the fundraising," said Suzie Hawkins, co-chairwoman of the Charity Ball. "They're out there and they're working hard."

In addition, a silent auction including several items was held to raise money for Junior League.

"It's a very special Gainesville tradition and an enchanted evening," said Junior League member Helen Powell.

For more, see page 8A of Sunday's print edition of The Times.